Ronnie O’Sullivan lists the changes he wants to see brought to the Crucible

Ronnie O’Sullivan has praised the “small improvements” made to the player experience at this year’s World Snooker Championship but would like to see more changes made at the Crucible.

The racket fell to Stuart Bingham in the quarter-finals of this year’s World Championship, ending his quest for a record eighth world title for another season.

The 48-year-old, who has signed an ambassadorial contract with Saudi Arabia, has backed the World Cup to move abroad ahead of this year’s tournament, when his Crucible contract expires in 2027.

A move remains a possibility, but so too are the facilities in Sheffield being upgraded to maintain their grip on the iconic tournament.

O’Sullivan says there have been small changes this year to keep players happy, but says things could still improve in terms of players feeling comfortable at the venue.

“I think it’s a little dated.” It can be updated, O’Sullivan said. “They could have some better facilities here for the players to relax and maybe have good food at the venue so you don’t have to keep bringing it.

“I love the way they have the courtesy cars here this year, so you don’t have to make your way through the venue every time you come here. You don’t mind coming to the location now. It’s the first time in years, so it’s a real plus.

“I bring my rolls to my room before the game and you don’t have to worry about that.

“They started making these little improvements. But if you actually put a wishlist… I think the place could be more player friendly. Relaxation rooms maybe, more training tables, maybe two more training tables. Showers maybe, a nice dressing room with showers maybe.

“If you have a smart interior designer or an architect here, you could knock down all the walls and start over.

“You can make it bigger, better and more up-to-date. Who knows.’

Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn issued a warning over the future of the Crucible at the start of the tournament, saying that unless Sheffield City Council built a new, much bigger venue, it was highly likely that the tournament would leave in 2028.

While a brand new venue in Sheffield remains unlikely, the local authority hope a compromise can be reached over improved facilities in and around the Crucible to keep the tournament in the city that has hosted it since 1977.

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