Snooker star Neil Robertson did not hold back in criticising the World Championship venue and called for the event to move on from the Crucible.
The Thunder from Down Under made his feelings clear about the "very cramped" theatre in Sheffield as he returns in the hope of ending a 12-year-wait for the sport's top prize. He is excited to be playing in the competition again – just not at this venue.
When asked about what he thinks of the famous setting for the World Championship ahead of his return this year, Robertson told Eurosport : "If you look at the Masters this year, that was the best atmosphere I've ever played in and I think all the players that played there felt the same. I believe the atmosphere there is everything the World Championship isn't.
"I think we have to be careful of tradition, there a lot of sports that have suffered because of that, and been too stubborn to move on. The one table set-up is really special. But there's definitely room for improvement in the two-table set-up."
Despite his misgivings about the Crucible's suitability, the 40-year-old believes the Steel City remains the rightful home of this competition. He added: "I think you you could get a venue, still in Sheffield of course, that is the 'Home of Snooker', but somewhere with 4-5k capacity would be amazing."
Robertson comes into the World Championship in formidable form and riding his on the back of his successful Tour Championship title defence. The Aussie also has trophies from the English Open, the Masters and the Players Championship to show for his efforts this season.
That incredible run has seen the Melbourne potter tipped as favourite to become world champion for the second time by Ronnie O'Sullivan. "Robertson is by far the most consistent player, his strike rate is pretty incredible really," said the world number one.
Despite an early wobble, Robertson looks likely to cruise into the last 16 after taking control of his tie against Crucible debutant Ashley Hugill. The 27-year-old Sheffield resident opened up a surprise 3-1 lead at the mid-session interval, but was taught a lesson after they came back into the arena.
The Australian won the next five frames to roar into a 6-3 lead, which is where the action ended for the day. Only a remarkable comeback from Hugill will prevent the world number three from moving a step closer to the trophy he has waited for more than a decade to lift again.
Watch live coverage of the Snooker World Championship across discovery+, Eurosport and Eurosport app.
