Can fans attend snooker’s World Championship at the Crucible and where can I buy tickets?

Ronnie O’Sullivan returns to the Steel City to defend his trophy this weekend and fans will be allowed into the Crucible Theatre as part of the government’s Event Research Programme.

Capacity for the opening rounds will start at 33 per cent, with fans in bubble groups, rising to 100 per cent capacity for the final on May 2-3.

But fans must take a Covid-19 test before their visit and fill out a consent form.

A World Snooker spokesman said: “Before booking, fans are strongly urged to read all information, available at www.wst.tv, related to Covid-19 protocols. Fans will be required to return a negative test result and fill out a consent form.”

WST chairman Barry Hearn said: “We are so excited to be heading back to the Crucible and to welcome fans to our events for the first time since we were in Sheffield las year.

“We are proud to be part of the Event Research Programme which will help us all on the roadmap towards doing the things we love.

“Everyone should consider the information carefully and be assured that within the framework of the ERP we are taking all precautions to keep fans safe, as agreed with the UK Government. There may never be a better chance to buy tickets for the Crucible!”

Fans can go to www.cruciblesnooker.com to buy tickets, or call 0844 65 65 147*.

*Calls to this number cost from 5p per minute from a BT landline plus your phone company’s access charge, other landline networks and mobile providers may vary