A large crowd full of fans came to Tudor Square on Friday at noon for a meet-up with the players as the World Snooker Championship begins tomorrow.
Everyone was excited to see their cue heroes in the flesh. Some even arrived two hours early for the best spot. Many came from different cities to enjoy the one-of-a-kind occasion.
Shaun Crichton from Aberdeen, who supports fellow Scottishman John Higgins, said: “This is the first time I’m here, so I’m excited to see the snooker. Good atmosphere already!”
Although the world number 1, Judd Trump, and snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan could not make it, Tudor Square was still buzzing.
As 14 of the world’s 16 best players walked out to their tunes and down the famous green carpet, the fans cheered on and laughed at their jokes.
The star-studded lineup today includes Class of ’92 legends John Higgins and Mark Williams, “The Jester from Leicester” Mark Selby, Mark “The Pistol” Allen, Sheffield’s adopted son Ding Junhui, and the reigning world champion, Zhao Xintong.
The players also took time to interact with the fans, signing autographs and taking selfies as they strolled down.
A special World Championship
This event is a kick-off show celebrating the yearly return of the coveted tournament in Sheffield.
This year’s tournament has an extra-special sense of meaning, as Sheffield City Council and the World Snooker Tour have struck an agreement to keep the championship at the Crucible until 2045, with the possibility of extending it until 2050.
Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Safiya Saeed, spoke at the opening of the event. She said: “For Sheffield to have this since 1977, and we continue to have it till 2045, it’s absolutely mind-blowing for me. It’s a great opportunity for our city to make sure that we share this iconic and electrifying atmosphere.”
Nick Noble, a Ronnie fan from Doncaster, shared: “I think it’s important that it stays here. It has the history and everything in it.”
From 18 April, 32 of the biggest snooker stars will battle it out for the dream of becoming the champion of the world.
It kicks off at 10 am with reigning “champion du monde” Zhao Xintong beginning his title-defending quest against England’s Liam Highfield.
The Chinese star looks to be the first to break the “Crucible Curse”, where no first-time champion was able to defend his title the following year.
