Sport must take a back seat.. calling Crucible off is right move Dott: Shutdown not end of World
GRAEME DOTT has backed the decision to postpone this year’s World Snooker Championship.
And the 2006 champion was surprised the marquee event wasn’t halted earlier.
The Crucible was due to host snooker’s showpiece event between April 18–May 4 but was officially postponed yesterday due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Scots star Dott said: “I think we all knew the world champs were not going to go ahead. It’s a real shame but obviously the right call. There was no way the tournament was going be played with what’s going on.
“It’s really strange not to be going to Sheffield because you always look forward to The Crucible. But it’s hard times for everybody and sport takes a back seat.”
The Tour Championship in Llandudno was dramatically postponed on the opening day last week as the World Snooker Tour reacted to changing government guidelines.
That was when Larkhall ace Dott knew there was no chance of the worlds going ahead.
He said: “I just didn’t expect to be playing with what has been happening. It’s a weird time but there’s not much you can do. Something like this has never happened in my lifetime or lots of others, the only thing you could probably compare it to is World War Two.
“It’s nuts but hopefully we all pull together and get through this. We are self-employed at the end of the day so I feel sorry for players lower down in the rankings who need the money.”
The World Championship could now be held in the summer but other events may take place before then behind closed doors.
Snooker supremo Barry Hearn said: “We are exploring the potential to stage tournaments behind closed doors to keep the circuit alive. These are tough times but we are determined to get through it. “Fans around the world – as well
as the 144 players involved – are anxious to know if and when the World Championship will go ahead.
“I can assure everyone that we are doing all we can alongside our broadcasters, the venues and other partners to confirm new dates as soon as possible.”
The only thing you could probably compare it to is the war
GRAEME DOTT ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS