Judd Trump backs Berlin’s Tempodrom for 2029 World Snooker Championship
Judd Trump has endorsed Berlin’s Tempodrom as the ideal venue for the 2029 World Snooker Championship while Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre undergoes renovation work, reports BritPanorama.
The world number one believes that German supporters have earned the right to host snooker’s premier event during the venue’s temporary closure. Trump stated, “I think the Tempodrom in Germany deserves it more than anywhere else. I think the German fans have been excellent for snooker.”
The 36-year-old highlighted the success of the German Masters, which has been staged at the Berlin arena since 2011, as evidence that the facility could accommodate the championship format. “The German Masters is an amazing tournament, but I think the World Championship in that venue would be perfect if it’s just one or two tables,” Trump added.
Should the championship remain on home soil during the Crucible’s hiatus, Trump suggested the O2 Arena as a suitable alternative venue. He expressed the view that British audiences have had exclusive access to the tournament for long enough, particularly given its guaranteed return to Sheffield. “I think the UK has had it long enough and it’s going to go back, so I don’t see a reason why it should stay. If it was to stay somewhere in the UK, maybe the O2 Arena, somewhere like that,” he explained.
Trump’s stance contrasts with that of 1985 champion Dennis Taylor, who has urged organisers to keep the competition within Britain. Nonetheless, Trump welcomed the recently announced 19-year agreement between the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council, securing the championship’s future at the Crucible until 2045. This deal will expand the venue to accommodate approximately 500 additional spectators. “It’s great news. It’s great that it’s such a long-term deal,” said Trump.
He added, “Nobody needs to worry, it’s probably safe now until the end of my career.” The five-time Triple Crown winner noted that the arrangement brings welcome certainty after years of speculation about the tournament’s home. “It’s good for snooker to have something set. Recently, every few years we’ve been worrying whether they’re going to extend it, or if it’s going to go. But it puts all of that to bed now, and I think everyone is happy with the decision.”
Trump faces Shaun Murphy in the Tour Championship quarter-finals today, having ended a six-year losing streak in the competition with his 10-8 victory over Mark Allen on Monday. The current world number one claimed his sole World Championship title in 2019, defeating John Higgins 18-9 in the final at the Crucible. That triumph forms part of an impressive haul of five Triple Crown titles for the 36-year-old, securing his status as one of the sport’s leading figures. His quarter-final clash with fellow Englishman Murphy represents another opportunity to add to his trophy collection this season.
