Exclusive: Ken Doherty Reveals Masterplan to Keep World Snooker Championship at Iconic Crucible

Ken Doherty has revealed his masterplan to ensure the World Snooker Championships remain at the Crucible, after warning the sport’s governing body that it would be a grave mistake to move the tournament overseas.

The Irishman, who won the title in 1997, fears the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia or China could see it switch to another venue when an agreement, tying it to the famous venue expires in 2027.

But, speaking ahead of this year’s tournament which kicked off on Saturday, Doherty insisted that “history” should be given priority over ticket revenues when a decision is taken on whether or not to renew that partnership with Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Sheffield Theatres (ST).

“I don’t get the argument that they can earn another half a million or whatever from ticket sales by going somewhere bigger,” Doherty exclusively told SportsBoom.com. 

“My idea, my way of thinking, is this: If I was World Snooker I would sell the game around the world on the fact that it is based somewhere as special and as iconic as the Crucible."

“People travel from all over the country, from all over the globe, because it is here. I’ve spoken to fans who’ve come over from South America because they know all about the Crucible and want to experience it."

"That’s a unique selling point that really needs exploiting rather than just taking an easier option."

“Personally, I would sell more television rights. Look to bring in greater advertising and other commercial revenues like that. You can attract that because it’s here, taking place in an arena which is so famous all over.”

HOME OF SNOOKER

Describing the Crucible as the natural home of snooker, having staged the worlds for nearly half a century, Doherty added: “You can’t buy history. You have to make it. This place is woven into the history of our wonderful sport and it’s part of its fabric. They are intertwined. I hope it never leaves.”

Talks between all parties involved in the negotiating process are understood to have accelerated over the past 12 months, as snooker’s current contract with SCC and ST approaches its expiration date. 

With the Crucible, where Doherty defeated Stephen Hendry in the final 28 years ago, is only able to accommodate less than 1,000 spectators, there have been calls for the region’s political leaders to either green light improvements to the site, build a new state-of-the-art hall or risk seeing the championships head abroad.

Doherty, who now lives in the city after leaving his native Ireland, said: “I love this place. I first came to the Crucible in 1984, when I won a tournament and that was the prize - a visit here. I watched Steve Davis play Neal Foulds on table two on the first Saturday. I came back at 21, as a player, seven or so years later and ended up playing Steve on table two - the very same one I’d watched him on earlier."

“I moved here four years ago and it’s great. People recognise me, they are so friendly. The beggars on the street say hello."

“It would be a crying shame if they ever take it somewhere else. This is the home of the world championships and I hope it never goes elsewhere. Genuinely, I think that would be a mistake when you weigh up what we’d be losing, what we’d be giving up, by doing that.”

UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE

“The Crucible sucks you in,” Doherty added. “There’s no atmosphere like it, nothing can replicate it or come close."

“I was speaking to one of the lads who has just qualified, something he’s been trying to do for 15 years and I told him: You won’t feel anything like it in snooker. Just soak it up, that moment when you get called and walk down the stairs."

"It really is one of the most beautiful moments you can experience in snooker. It’s special and that’s got to be remembered. It wouldn’t be replicated anywhere else.”