Four-time world champion Mark Selby has called for the World Snooker Championship to remain in the UK during the Crucible's 2029 refurbishment, expressing concerns about moving the tournament abroad. Selby, speaking ahead of this year's championship, said he'd prefer the event stays in Britain even if it means relocating within the country. The £45m renovation will add 500 seats to the current 980 capacity.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently helped secure the tournament's future in Sheffield until 2045, with an option to extend to 2050. The historic venue has hosted the championship since 1977 and saw Ronnie O'Sullivan's record-breaking 147 break in 1997. However, critics including O'Sullivan himself argue the Crucible is cramped and outdated, while the sport's growing popularity in China and Saudi Arabia's investment in snooker create pressure for change.

Selby acknowledged Matchroom Sport's Barry Hearn has "a variety of ideas" about moving tournaments globally but emphasized the importance of keeping the World Championship in Britain. The World Snooker Tour hopes to be away from Sheffield for only one year during refurbishment, with potential venues including Alexandra Palace or Manchester Central. With defending champion Zhao Xintong and stars like Judd Trump and Neil Robertson in the field, Selby predicts a highly competitive tournament when it begins April 18.