The 2024 World Snooker Championship got underway in recent days, and while fans of the sport are excited about the action to come at The Crucible over the coming days, it seems that some of the players are less enthused by the prospect of spending their time at the Sheffield venue.
The Crucible has hosted this competition every year since 1977, being home to some of the most iconic moments in the history of the sport. However, some feel that the tournament is now outgrowing its current surroundings.
Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke recently about his belief that a new venue for the World Championships would be good for snooker. However, it will remain there until at least 2027, at which point their contract is up for renewal.
It seems one other snooker star is hoping to see the back of The Crucible as soon as possible.
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Snooker star makes complaint over World Championship venue
Iranian snooker star Hossein Vafaei is not afraid to speak his mind in a public forum, something that led to a falling out with Ronnie O'Sullivan during last year's World Championships.
However, it seems he shares 'The Rocket's' opinion that The Crucible is no longer a suitable venue for the tournament.
Speaking after his opening round loss to Judd Trump, he gave a grim summary of the venue, going as far as to complain about the smell of the place.
Should I be honest? Are you enjoying being here?
History is very important but nobody invests any money in this historical venue. You want to go somewhere really nice. If you walk around the Crucible it smells really bad. I'm honest. Everything is so bad.
You go to other top venues in other countries and you can see how nice they treat you, how nice everything is and it is so shiny and completely different.
If you ask me do I want to come back here, the answer is no.
The practice room? Do you see anything special about it? It feels like I'm practising in a garage and that's not good. I'm coming here from a different country to see that. I'm sorry I have to tell the truth...
I understand so many people working here, if the Crucible moves they will probably lose their jobs and this is sad, but if they don’t want to lose the Crucible, make it shinier, make it cleaner, make it nicer for the people.
Why do we have to find a reason to lose the Crucible?
While some snooker players are keen for The Crucible to continue hosting this event, it is becoming increasingly likely that we will see it moved elsewhere over the coming years.
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