Judd Trump and Stephen Hendry have found themselves at odds over the future of the World Snooker Championship, following comments made by the BBC pundit during this year's tournament. The disagreement centres on where the prestigious event should be held in 2029, when it temporarily vacates the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield due to a major refurbishment.
Hendry's Stance: Keep It in Sheffield
Stephen Hendry, a seven-time world champion and BBC pundit, believes the championship should remain in Sheffield despite the temporary relocation. Speaking at this year's championships, Hendry emphasised the strong connection between the city and the sport. "I think if possible it should stay in Sheffield. You've got all these signs, 'Sheffield loves snooker', all over the place. It's not just the Crucible," he said. "It's the city itself. Also, because of the commitment they're showing, the finances and everything to do this [host until at least 2045], it would be cruel to take it away from Sheffield."
Trump's Vision: Germany or London
However, world number one Judd Trump holds a different view. The 2019 world champion believes the tournament should be taken abroad, specifically to Germany. He told SportsBoom: "I think the Tempodrom in Germany deserves it more than anywhere else. I think the German fans have been excellent for snooker. The German Masters is an amazing tournament, but I think the World Championship in that venue would be perfect if it's just one or two tables."
Should the event remain in the United Kingdom in 2029, Trump pinpointed London as a worthy alternative. "I think the UK has had it long enough and it's going to go back, so I don't see a reason why it should stay. If it was to stay somewhere in the UK, maybe the O2 Arena, somewhere like that," he added.
The Crucible's Future Secured
The debate arises as the World Snooker Championship's long-term future in Sheffield has been secured. The tournament has called the Crucible home since 1977, and a new agreement signed in March ensures it will remain there until at least 2045, with the possibility of extending to 2050. However, the 2029 edition will need to be held elsewhere while the venue undergoes a £45 million overhaul, adding 500 extra seats ahead of 2030. An alternative venue has yet to be confirmed.
Trump also shared his thoughts on the new deal: "It's great news. It's great that it's such a long-term deal. Nobody needs to worry, it's probably safe now until the end of my career. It's good for snooker to have something set. Recently, every few years we've been worrying whether they're going to extend it, or if it's going to go. But it puts all of that to bed now and I think everyone is happy with the decision."
