Final preparations being made at Crucible Theatre as Sheffield gets ready for World Snooker Championship

By The Newsroom
Published 18th Apr 2019, 14:37 BST
Updated 23rd Apr 2019, 12:55 BST
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‘We could sell it out three times over if we moved it but it’s not just about that – this is the Crucible’.

Those were the words of Ivan Hirschowitz, World Snooker press officer, as he leads us on a behind the scenes of the city’s famous venue less than 48 hours before World Championship gets underway.

The Crucible Theatre is a hub of activity as workers completely transform it for the sport’s flagship event.

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World Snooker branding is in place throughout the city centre. Picture: Chris EtchellsWorld Snooker branding is in place throughout the city centre. Picture: Chris Etchells
World Snooker branding is in place throughout the city centre. Picture: Chris Etchells

World Snooker branding already masks the building from the outside and a huge screen has been set up in Tudor Square, where fans will be able to soak up the sunshine and watch the action.

The Peace Gardens have also been transformed with pictures of the sports top players – including Ronnie O’Sullivan, donning the Surrey Street entrance.

But it is inside the theatre itself where you can almost feel the excitement building as specialist engineers install the two tables.

Testing is carried out using specialist cue balls to ensure the installation is correct and the tables are covered with moisture absorbing cloth to ensure humidity in the theatre doesn’t affect the players.

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