THE World Snooker Championship is under threat in Sheffield after a major backer pulled out halfway through a sponsorship deal.
Leading councillors say there are "real fears" the championship's future in the city is at risk after sponsor 888.com terminated its contract with the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.
Gambling website 888.com had signed up to
a five-year deal but has pulled out after just three years.
Its sponsorship paid for the staging of the event at The Crucible theatre and prize money.
The WPBSA confirmed the sponsorship had ended - but said the snooker was committed to Sheffield until 2010.
A spokesman said: "World Snooker can confirm 888.com has ended its sponsorship of the World Championship.
"World Snooker is working closely with IMG, its sponsorship search partner, for an alternative sponsor to the 2009 World Championship."
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