What Is The Crucible Curse?

The Crucible curse refers to nan truth that nary first-time champion has been capable to clasp nan World Snooker Championship title since nan tourney moved to Sheffield's Crucible Theatre successful 1977.

A full of 19 winners person grounded erstwhile attempting to take sides their crown, and conscionable 2 person reached nan final.

Joe Johnson (1987) and Ken Doherty (1998) came nan closest to breaking nan 'curse' but fell astatine nan last hurdle.

Luca Brecel's defence of nan trophy ended successful nan first information successful 2024, erstwhile he was knocked retired by qualifier David Gilbert.

All-time greats specified arsenic Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby and Stephen Hendry person won aggregate World Championships but grounded to clasp nan title nan twelvemonth aft their maiden victory.

O'Sullivan won his first successful 2001 and went connected to triumph again successful 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 and 2022.

Selby won back-to-back successful 2016 and 2017 aft his maiden title successful 2014. He besides won successful 2021.

The Crucible Theatre's statement to big nan arena expires successful 2027, pinch discussions astir nan early venue for nan tourney 'ongoing and constructive'.

This article is nan latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.