Tony Drago has now delivered his verdict over whether or not the World Snooker Championship should ever leave the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
The legendary Maltese player rolled back the years this afternoon in the first round of the World Seniors Snooker Championship.
Drago defeated Michael Judge 3-1 earlier today and has now advanced to the quarter-final stage of the competition.
The hot topic of discussion during this year’s World Championship event was the possibility that the long-term future of The Crucible might be under threat.
Now, Drago has delivered his verdict on whether it should stay or go.
Tony Drago shares whether he thinks the World Snooker Championship should leave Sheffield
It would appear that the vast majority hope that a resolution can be sought in order to keep The Crucible as the venue for the World Championship.
Kyren Wilson claimed his first title at the weekend and mentioned that he’d quite like the tournament to remain in the steel city.
After beating Judge in comprehensive style, Drago has delivered his opinion on the matter and he’s in doubt what he’d love to see happen.
He told Channel 5: “It’s easy for me to say because I’m sat here watching it on the television and not playing for a first prize of £2 million. But, it’s great and I just hope the bloody thing stays here forever.”
Drago is right – Barry Hearn must find a solution
Although it’s in Barry Hearn’s interests for the sport to generate even more money, taking the World Championship away from Sheffield doesn’t bear thinking about.
It’s considered the ‘Home of Snooker’ for a reason and Hearn should remember that not everything has to be about making money.
Some of the game’s top players have come out and said, they’d like the tournament to remain at The Crucible and their opinions should be considered.
Drago is spot on that it should stay in Sheffield and he – like many of the senior players – love coming back to the venue to play.
Tony Drago’s record at The Crucible
Well, it wasn’t a happy hunting ground for the Malta native when he was on the main tour.
Matthew Stevens really had his number at the venue, with the Welshman beating him on three occasions in the World Championship.
Drago had a run to the quarter-final in 1988 when Steve Davis actually won the tournament after knocking him out. He beat Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor to reach the last eight.
The last time he played at the World Championship was in 2006 when he lost 10-5 to Stephen Lee in the first round.