World Snooker Championship to scrap white cue ball at Crucible

The World Snooker Championship at the Crucible will be played without a white cue ball as the tournament receives a major shake up.

The 17-day event at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield will ditch the traditional cue ball and replace it with a “bright green” equivalent.

In a controversial nod to the event’s UK betting and casino partner Midnite, a “bright green cue ball under the lights at the Crucible could actually enhance our game”, according to World No2 player Kyren Wilson.

Alternations to the colour of the cue ball have been approved by the World Snooker Tour for this year’s World Snooker Championship with the chair of snooker’s global governing body – the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association – welcoming the move.

“Tradition and heritage are so important in our sport but we are also excited by innovation,” Jason Ferguson said. “Fans and players will love this new cue ball which is exclusive to the World Championship. 

“This is one of the biggest changes to the equipment in the 150-year history of our sport and it will be fascinating to see this in action at the Crucible.”

World Snooker Championship changes

The changes will come into force for the first World Snooker Championship since its host venue, the Crucible Theatre, was announced as the event’s long-term home.

The government have committed millions to keep the championships in Sheffield until 2045, with the tournament temporarily moving away from the Crucible to enable renovations to take place towards the end of the decade.

Wilson added: “I honestly think it’s a fantastic step forward for snooker. The idea of the white ball turning Midnite neon green might sound bold at first, but that’s exactly what our sport needs right now – something that grabs attention and gets people talking. 

“We’ve got such a proud history, especially at the World Snooker Championship, but evolution is key if we want to keep growing and bringing in a new generation of fans.

“You’ve got to be open-minded about these changes. If it helps showcase the sport in a new way and makes people stop and watch, then that’s a win for everyone. Personally, I’m really excited by it. I think it could give the whole championship a fresh energy and create something quite iconic in its own right.”