Snooker’s Embassy World Championship will be staying at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for at least another two years.

Agreement has been reached between World Snooker Ltd, the Crucible Theatre and Sheffield City Council to extend the current contract until 2005, when sponsorship of snooker’s blue riband event by Imperial Tobacco must end due to Government legislation.

The Crucible has been home to the Embassy World Championship since 1977. This year’s event, which carries total prize money of £1,682,900 with £270,000 going to the winner, starts on Saturday (April 19) and runs until May 5.

Sheffield City Council has once again worked in partnership with World Snooker to promote the 2003 World Championship through their second Sheffield On Cue festival.

CueZone – snooker’s interactive cue sports activity centre –will be returning to Tudor Square and a snooker table is being erected in the Winter Garden for use by host broadcaster BBC Sport.

Richard Relton, Chief Executive of World Snooker Ltd, said: ‘The Embassy World Championship has become synonymous with Sheffield so we are delighted that the tournament is to continue at the Crucible. It’s a special venue for snooker.’

Bob Kerslake, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, said: ‘We are really pleased to confirm the continuation of a special partnership with World Snooker that began in 1977.

‘It has always seemed appropriate for a city internationally recognised for its sporting facilities to host the World Snooker Championship. This two-year deal is very good news for Sheffield, a testament to the city’s regeneration and our commitment to hosting events of international standing.’

For more information please contact:
World Snooker Media Office on 0117-317-8200
www.worldsnooker.com