Sheffield will host the World Championship for at least another five years after securing an extension to the current contract.
Championship to remain at the Crucible until 2014
Sheffield will host the World Championship for at least another five years after securing an extension to the current contract.
The tournament has been staged at the city's Crucible theatre since 1977, however Chinese officials were keen to take it to the Far East.
World Snooker's deal with the Sheffield authorities had been due to expire after next year's event, but it was confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday that a four-year extension has been agreed.
Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of World Snooker, made the announcement along with Sheffield City Council leader Paul Scriven.
Walker said: "I am absolutely delighted to tell you that after quite prolonged
discussions the city council and World Snooker have agreed a provisional agreement at this stage which will see the World Championship stay here in Sheffield until 2014.
"I know that Sheffield City Council have received a lot of support from the regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and the tourist board Welcome To Yorkshire, all of whom have played their part in putting together an offer which World Snooker was very pleased to accept.
"This guarantees that the event will stay in Sheffield now for at least five further years.
"There is an option for a further year subject to a decision yet to be taken on expanding the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield."
Despite describing the decision as "provisional", Walker stressed there was "no doubt the deal is going to be done".
