Hotels near the World Snooker Championships

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield hosts the World Championships, the most famous and important tournament in snooker. To win here is to reach the pinnacle of the game.

The tournament actually begins in January, when qualifying rounds are open to all. For many, an appearance at the Crucible marks the end of a long hard road.

As with all great tournaments, the big stage brings out the best in players. The Crucible has witnessed many memorable moments; the best example is probably the epic duel in the 1985 final between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis. Taylor won 18-17 with the final black of the game. The match was so gripping that 18.5 million people in Britain stayed up past midnight to watch on TV.

Whether this year's event will see a match of similar calibre remains to be seen, but as snooker's most prestigious event competition is bound to be fierce.