The UK Snooker Championship, originally planned for this month, is moving to Milton Keynes. Since 2011, the event has traditionally taken place in York, but the government's latest nationwide lockdown to fight the coronavirus has forced a change in plans. This update was announced by the governing body on Wednesday, and the action will now start on November 23.
The UK Snooker Championship that was scheduled for this month has now been moved to Milton Keynes. Earlier the championship was supposed to be hosted at the northern English city of York which has been its home since 2011. This move has been made due to the nationwide lockdown brought by the government to tackle the spread of coronavirus. The decision to move the championship was announced by the sport’s governing body on Wednesday. The tournament will be kick-starting on November 23.
With a national lockdown in effect from this Thursday until December 2, the governing body opted to move the competition to the Marshal Arena. This venue has already proven its reliability during the pandemic by successfully hosting events within a secure, Covid-safe environment for the athletes.
World Snooker Tour chairman Barry Hearn stated that the decision to host this year's matches in Milton Keynes followed extensive talks and guidance from the UK Government and health authorities.
Hearn praised the venue as a perfect fit, mentioning that they've spent the last few months working with a skilled team to ensure the facility is safe for high-profile tournaments. The event will feature nearly 128 competitors and remains the second most prestigious tournament in snooker, surpassed only by the World Championship.
Hearn emphasized that their primary goal during these challenging times is to ensure the sport continues, providing global television audiences with exciting competition and ensuring the players still earn their prize money.
Ronnie O’Sullivan expressed his disappointment upon learning that the championship was being moved to Milton Keynes. The seven-time champion was notably unhappy, jokingly remarking that he'd rather play in Crawley than the Marshal Arena. He lamented the fact that they couldn't return to York, describing it as his favorite city not just in England, but in the world.
Ding Junhui of China enters the tournament as the defending champion, while fans are eagerly anticipating the return of five-time winner Stephen Hendry.