Alexandra Palace could be the religious house of darts however the London venue might quickly be the house of snooker.
Among the sports activities greatest names imagine Ally Pally can be the proper match to host future World Snooker Championships.
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This week’s Masters takes place on the iconic venue with prime stars reminiscent of Judd Trump and Mark Allen saying the occasion is their favorite within the snooker calendar.
Likewise, former world champion John Parrott is a big advocate of not simply the occasion but additionally of Alexandra Palace as a number of giant snooker tournaments.
He advised the BBC this week: “I by no means thought it might be nearly as good as this. It has simply transpired to be the most effective venues you’ll ever play in. It seems like the house of snooker and I hope it doesn’t transfer from right here.”
Prime snooker coach Stephen Feeney concurred with Parrott in a Fb submit, writing: “You recognize – if the World Snooker Championship does have to maneuver away from Sheffield due to the restricted seating capability in The Crucible – certainly the Ally Pally can be an excellent new house for it within the UK?”
With assist rising for a change of venue for the World Championships, there may be concern from some quarters that the occasion might quickly transfer from the Crucible the place it has been held since 1977.
The Crucible holds a capability of simply 980 individuals and in a time when organisers wish to develop the game, snooker might quickly outgrow the Sheffield venue.
Followers have been cut up on the concept with some hoping the World Championships stay on the Crucible whereas others have known as for all Triple Crown occasions to be held at Alexandra Palace which may maintain over 3,000 spectators.
One fan wrote “It has to remain on the Crucible!! It’s greater than only a venue, it’s an emblem of snookers heritage and historical past. A vital a part of what makes the World Championships so particular.”
One other fan expressed the need to see the the Championships transfer to Alexandra Palace: “The World Championship, the UK Championship and the Masters ought to all be performed on the Alexander Palace it’s a fully sensible venue and for me needs to be the brand new house for these three sensible tournaments.”
No adjustments are prone to happen simply but because the Crucible holds a contract with the World Snooker Tour till 2027.
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Nonetheless, it stays to be seen whether or not the tournaments stay on English soil in any respect after requires extra occasions to be held abroad.
The profitable World Snooker Tour, Saudi Arabia Masters and Riyadh Season Snooker are the beginning of an enormous shift within the sport which might pose the query of whether or not the World Championships might in the future be staged overseas.
Elsewhere, the motion at this yr’s Masters has as soon as once more delivered with two enormous names reserving their spots within the semi-finals.
Allen reached the final 4 on Thursday after a tense match with Mark Selby.
He’ll now face Shaun Murphy within the semi-finals after the Magician overcame Neil Robertson 6-2.
World No.1 Trump performs Ding Junhui earlier than Luca Brecel and Kyren Wilson conclude Friday’s play.