Shaun Murphy believes the BBC's fresh deal to broadcast Triple Crown snooker tournaments is a strong sign that the will stay in the UK.

The sport's premier event has been held at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre since 1977, but with the venue's contract set to expire in 2027 and speculation of a move abroad, its long-term future is up in the air. Countries like Saudi Arabia and China have been mentioned as possible new hosts, especially as WST president has expressed of fewer than 1,000.

Over the weekend, it was announced that the had extended its broadcasting rights for the World Championship, the Masters and the UK Championship until 2032, much to the delight of snooker fans. The development has sparked optimism about the championship's future in the UK.

who recently and doubles as a BBC pundit, shared his excitement on his despite insisting he doesn't have any insider info. He said: "This is massive, I'm delighted about it.

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"I think it's the biggest clue we've had so far. In terms of the Crucible's future and the World Championship's future, this is the biggest clue we've seen.

He added that there seems to be little competition for hosting rights from overseas, adding: "To my knowledge, there have been no bids from anywhere else. I don't think World Snooker are sat there with offers from Saudi, offers from China, offers from Dubai to bring the World Champs there in 2028 and onwards.

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"So for the BBC to go again until 2032, that's a big clue, isn't it? That doesn't necessarily mean it's staying at the Crucible."

His podcast co-host, Phil Seymour also remarked on the significance of the BBC's commitment to snooker, adding: "I couldn't see the BBC signing up to this if there's a chance the Worlds is leaving the UK, because the cost element, the time, the scheduling is massively different if it went to the Middle East or China. It would be huge.

"Whether it stays in Sheffield, whether it stays at the Crucible remains to be seen. Either way, it's brilliant news."