Barry Hearn hopeful the world’s best potters will still head to Sheffield’s Crucible

World Snooker Tour and the WPBSA are working closely with the UK Government to assist players coming from outside the UK in regard to visas, quarantine and travel issues.

The qualifying rounds will take place from July 21-28 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

All Tour players seeded outside the top 16 will need to make it through the qualifiers to earn a coveted spot at the Crucible Theatre, for the final stages which will run from July 31 to August 16.

WST chairman Hearn said: “We are delighted to stage the qualifying rounds at the English Institute of Sport as we know from many years of experience that it is a fantastic venue. We look forward to working with the venue to ensure that the health and safety of our players and officials is the highest priority throughout the event.

“We have already proved that we are at the forefront of sport by staging events in the current conditions.

“Alongside the WPBSA we are already doing all we can to give as much assistance as possible to players coming from overseas. We want to see a full and international field.

“The Betfred World Championship, our biggest tournament, starts from the first ball struck of the opening qualifying round.

“Everyone dreams of a place at the Crucible, from legends like Jimmy White and Ken Doherty to exciting young talent. The drama of the final round, when places at the Theatre of Dreams are on the line, can barely be matched.

“This is another important step in the right direction as our Tour gets back on track. While fans will not be able to go to the venue, we expect a further exciting announcement shortly on how fans will be able to watch the live action.”

Last night, current world champion Judd Trump beat John Higgins 9-4 in the quarter-finals of the Coral Tour Championship in Milton Keynes.

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