Civic leaders say they are determined to hang on to the two-week event that sends Sheffield's name around the world and pumps millions of pounds into the local economy.

After fending off competition from other potential locations in the UK to secure the competition until at least 2010, they now face a challenge from entrepreneurs in China where the sport is booming, offering the potential for a big increase in prize money and bigger audiences.

Sir Rodney Walker, who chairs snooker's ruling body, the WPBSA, was approached by Chinese businessmen during last week's Shanghai Masters.

Sheffield City Council chief executive John Mothersole is due to meet Sir Rodney today to discuss the long-term future of the tournament, which has been staged in Sheffield since 1977.

The meeting had been arranged before the speculation about Chinese interest.

Mr Mothersole said: "We have no intention of letting other people take it from Sheffield.

"There is always speculation about World Snooker moving round, there was last time the contract was up for renewal. We fought hard and successfully to retain it.

"The facilities in Sheffield are going to be even better. We are doing everything we were asked to when we last renewed the contract – the academy at English Institute of Sport has been set up, which World Snooker's organisers are delighted with, the Crucible's being refurbished and we now have the money to revamp Tudor Square."

Council leader Paul Scriven said: "It doesn't surprise me that countries from the Far East are showing an interest and we should not be rattled or startled but ensure Sheffield fights and retains World Snooker after 2010.

"The players also want to stay in Sheffield as they see it as being the birthplace and national home of snooker.

"Sheffield has a fight on its hands and I am asking people and businesses to rally around and support the council to keep World Snooker here."



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