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Judd Trump says that the World Snooker Championship remaining at the Crucible until at least 2045 is good news. Ronnie O'Sullivan, though, does not share the world No 1's view, having suggested two years ago that the annual competition could happen in China or Saudi Arabia instead.

World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council have struck an agreement for the World Championship to remain at the Crucible until 2045. There is also a provision to prolong the arrangement to 2050.

They are also formulating proposals for a substantial renovation of the theatre following the 2028 edition. It could incorporate another 500 seats, potentially raising the capacity from 980 to 1,480.

• Judd Trump wants World Snooker Championship to leave UK amid Crucible dilemma

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Trump, 36, discussed the agreement after recovering from 4-0 down to triumph 10-8 against Mark Allen in the opening round of the Tour Championship in Manchester. The 2019 world champion said: "It's great news, it puts all the uncertainty to bed.

"For snooker, it's probably the best thing that could have happened. The fact that, in a few years' time, they will improve the venue is even better.

"It's an exciting time for snooker; the World Championship is always special, and it's good to keep it in the UK. Any arena (in the round) where you are surrounded and immersed - it brings even more pressure.

"We're happy to play there for the next two years, but everyone will be keeping one eye on what is going to happen after, and hopefully I'll have the chance to play in that new arena."

O'Sullivan has yet to comment on the World Championship remaining in Sheffield publicly. Nevertheless, the seven-time world champion told The Sun two years ago: "I don't like the Crucible.

"I don't think you can get in and out of it. I think it's definitely a wise decision to take it away from Sheffield, still have a tournament there, why not? But just not the World Championship over 17 days.

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"It's a massive circus, and you need a massive space to accommodate it. I think Saudi Arabia would be great, they've got the resources and would do it great.

If you're going to take it to China, you'd have to take it to Shanghai, or another major city like Shenzhen or Guangzhou.

"It'd be done properly, courtesy cars will be laid on, food will be there, hotels will be great, everything would be paid for, prize money would be astronomical. I know at the Crucible you get nice tea there, you might get lasagne if the guys are cooking, but that's about it."