It has been reported that the World Snooker Championships in Sheffield may be facing serious problems due to the fact that major sponsors have pulled out of sponsorship deals. Since the 888 Company terminated their contract, there have been fears about the Championships future in the city.

888, the gambling website, has signed a contract with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association for up to five years but pulled out after only three. The sponsorship from the Company paid for the staging of the event and the prize money.

Although the sponsor pulled out, the WPBSA has confirmed that snooker will stay in Sheffield until 2010. Now it is believed that snooker officials are looking for new sponsors to fill 888’s shoes. The Sheffield Council has stated that they will be holding the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to their promise of holding the event in the city until at least 2010. The Council also stated the city would not be responsible for any bills the event may accrue.

Jan Wilson, of the Labour Leader Council, has said her party has been for snooker for Sheffield for a long time. The sport promotes the city of Sheffield and boosts the economy and is loved by the people. Wilson also stated that with the new sponsors pulling out “there are real fears that the snooker is once again at risk”.

"Three years ago when there were fears that the snooker was not going to stay in Sheffield, we worked very hard to ensure that the World Snooker Championship would continue at the Crucible. Sheffield is the true home of world snooker and I want to make sure that we do everything we can to keep it that way. We need to put politics aside to make sure that we all fight to keep the snooker at the Crucible."

The full council will be meeting to discuss the Snooker Championships and how they can retain them in the city. It is believed that snooker will receive support from both parties.


- 2008-08-29