Hamilton fears for fans’ return
CRICKET
ANTHONY Hamilton will fear for his health when he steps out at the Crucible due to what he described as the “ridiculous” decision to allow a limited audience at this year’s World Snooker Championship.
The 49-year-old, who suffers from asthma, has blasted the move to make the championship, which starts today (Friday), the only indoor event among three pilots designed to smooth the way for spectators to return after the coronavirus pandemic.
Hamilton warned: “Let’s say one person gets ill and dies from the Crucible - it’s one person who died for no reason at all, just for entertainment. I think it’s ridiculous.”
Hamilton booked his place in the final stages of the tournament for the first time in 12 years with a 10-5 win over Scott Donaldson in the final qualifying round on Monday - but his win was overshadowed by the prospect of the risks he now believes he is obliged to take.
The four-time quarterfinalist, who made his Crucible debut in 1996, added: “On a personal front I’m high risk - I’ve got asthma so I’ve been diligent to say the least during this lockdown.
“So to go into a room with 300 people is against the grain for me. I’m not going to be comfortable in there personally.”
Referencing this week’s racing at Goodwood and last week’s cricket at The Oval which constitute the other pilot events, he added: “I understand [them]. They’re outside and they’re one-offs. But 17 days with 300 people - what are the chances of somebody not having it?”
Spectators with tickets for sessions of this year’s event will be issued with a Spectator Code of Conduct and asked to agree to the terms contained in a preevent liaison document before gaining entry.
Ticket-holders must congregate in a designated area outside the venue shortly prior to the scheduled start time and wear face masks as they make their way straight to their seats, although they can be removed during play.
World Snooker Tour officials said the choice of the Crucible to stage the first indoor event with an audience signifies a “fantastic triumph” for the game. A statement said: ““Independent and government advisors will be on site supporting WST and Sheffield Theatres, observing and assisting in ensuring that the measures which we have put in place are effective.”