World Championship future 'great conversation to be having'

Kyren Wilson beat Jak Jones in the 2024 World Championship final at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield

Reigning world champion Kyren Wilson says discussion over where the World Snooker Championship should be hosted in the future is healthy for the sport as it continues to expand and enter new horizons.

The world number two won the most sought after title in the sport for the first time in May at the tournament's spiritual home at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, which has staged the event since 1977.

Former World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn has indicated that the competition could be moved away from the Yorkshire venue or rotated with other countries or arenas after its current contract expires in 2027.

Hearn has urged Sheffield City Council to build a bigger arena if it wants to retain the prestigious tournament, the current complex housing just 980 people.

The debate is being held in the context of the increased globalisation of the sport into China, Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong, with larger capacity venues hosting major events in front of large crowds and increased prizemoney. on offer.

"Who knows?," said Wilson when asked if the Crucible may have to at least share its status as host venue after 2027.

"Snooker is heading in the right direction and at the end of the day it's a fantastic conversation to be having."

'Really exciting times'

Speaking to BBC Sport NI after beating Anthony McGill at the Northern Ireland Open, he added: "If we're talking about getting more fans in the demand is there and in terms of prizemoney it means there's a demand elsewhere which is going to encourage everybody to raise the bar.

"I think we should be celebrating the fact that we're even talking about it."

Recent days have seen announcements about the World Grand Prix being moved to Hong Kong, the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship in Saudi Arabia returning in December and more lucrative financial rewards on offer at those events and at the Players Championship.

The inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters took place earlier in the season, with the winner's cheque on a par with first prize in the World Championship.

"These are really exciting times. Snooker is heading in the right trajectory and I want to make the most of it," said Wilson.

"Some people were maybe asking why prizemoney was not increasing and why were we stagnating so it's great to see even more tournaments popping up in China, in Hong Kong , with increased prize money."

The 32-year-old says he has made a conscious effort to "make the most" of his year as world champion.

"I'm really enjoying it. It's extremely busy, including off-table stuff and exhibitions," he explained.

"I don't want to be a world champion who looks back and thinks I could have done things differently."

'Really happy with my game'

Wilson edged past McGill after a titanic high-quality struggle at the Waterfront Hall on Wednesday night, with teenage sensation Stan Moody awaiting him in the last 16.

The first five frames of Wilson's match with the Scot saw McGill compile breaks of 112 and 131 and Wilson reel off runs of 77, 62 and 70.

While the big breaks may have dried up thereafter, the contest remained a compelling one.

"The first five frames were all big breaks and the momentum went back and forward. Hopefully it was a good entertaining match for the crowd and a nail-biting finish.

"There were only really some mistakes from frame six but overall it was a good standard.

"I'm really happy with my game, it's about being consistent and not dropping below a certain standard."