There had been supporters on the first day of the tournament only for the government’s pilot scheme to be immediately postponed.
The 2020 World Championship final looks set to take place in front of supporters at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield this weekend.
After the UK government revealed that their testing programme will resume granting the return of fans to live sport, a reduced crowd will be welcomed inside the arena on Saturday and Sunday to celebrate this year’s champion.
A limited number of people attended the opening day of the rescheduled event on July 31st, and spectators were expected to grace all 17 days at the Crucible.
But midway through reigning champion Judd Trump’s opening session two weeks ago, the government decided that the scheme would be postponed as a result of a spike in coronavirus cases.
Although not confirmed, it appears likely that 300 fans will be permitted to enter the Crucible this weekend for each session of the world final.
Safety protocols were already devised in order to meet COVID-19 restriction guidelines, and those will have to be adhered to again.
Yet, there will be no temperature checks undertaken upon entry into the enclosed space, and masks are not required to be worn while seated inside the arena.
People who already had a ticket for the World Championship final will be allowed entry, while there will also be a limited number of additional tickets going on sale on Friday.
Four players remain in the hunt for success in Sheffield with an intriguing last day of semi-final action in store.
Kyren Wilson overturned a 6-2 deficit on Thursday to lead Anthony McGill 13-11 at the end of the day’s play.
Mark Selby, meanwhile, fought back from 5-3 behind to establish a 9-7 advantage over Ronnie O’Sullivan ahead of their final two sessions.
Live coverage continues on the BBC, Eurosport, and Matchroom.Live.
Last year we in the USA were able to watch the championship on Facebook. Not this year. Have any idea why? We have seen what must be a couple of ‘bootleg’ broadcasts live, one on YouTube and another on Facebook.
I believe there is an option to watch in the USA already – on DAZN. If not, you may be able to subscribe to the new Matchroom.Live streaming service. It has been made available in territories that don’t already have a TV/Digital contract with a broadcaster.
Pingback: Barry Hearn: 'Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest' - SnookerHQ
Pingback: Barry Hearn: ‘Ronnie O’Sullivan is the greatest’ – Bouncing Bill