Ronnie O'Sullivan lists changes he wants to see made to the Crucible

05/06/2024 04:27 AM

Ronnie O’Sullivan has praised ‘little improvements’ made to the player experience at the World Snooker Championship this year, but would like to see some more changes made at the Crucible.

The Rocket fell to Stuart Bingham at the quarter-final stage of this year’s World Championship, ending his quest for a record eighth world title for another season.

The 48-year-old, who has signed an ambassadorial deal with Saudi Arabia, backed the World Championship to move abroad ahead of this year’s tournament when the contract with the Crucible ends in 2027.

A move does remain a possibility, but so does facilities in Sheffield being improved in order to keep hold of the iconic tournament.

O’Sullivan says there have been small changes this year to keep players happy, but says things could still improve in terms of players feeling comfortable at the venue.

‘I think it's a little bit dated. It could be updated maybe,’ said O’Sullivan. ‘It could have some better facilities in here for the players to relax and maybe have some nice food at the venue so you don't have to keep bringing it in.

‘I like the way they've got the courtesy cars here this year so you don't have to scrum your way through the venue every time you come here. You don't mind coming to the venue now. It's the first time in years so that's a real plus.

‘I get scones brought to my room before my match and that's something else you don't need to worry about.

‘They've started to make these little improvements. But if you really put down a wishlist…I think the venue could be more friendly towards players. Relaxation rooms maybe, more practice tables, maybe two more practice tables. Showers maybe, a nice dressing room with showers maybe.

‘If you get a clever interior designer or an architect in here you could knock all the walls down and start again. 

‘Maybe make it bigger and better and more up to date. Who knows.’

Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn fired a warning over the Crucible’s future earlier in the tournament, saying that unless Sheffield City Council build a new, much bigger venue then the tournament is very likely to leave in 2028.

While a brand new venue in Sheffield remains unlikely, the local authority is hopeful a compromise over improved facilities in and around the Crucible can be reached for the tournament to remain in the city that has hosted it since 1977.

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