The world snooker championship will be staged in Sheffield, England, for the next five years at least, the game's governing body said yesterday.

World Snooker chairman Rodney Walker revealed that detailed bids from three other cities were considered before a deal worth £3 million was accepted to keep the tournament in Sheffield until 2010.

Walker said the event would remain "at least initially" at the Crucible Theatre - home to the world championship since 1977 - while the feasibility of building a new venue in the city was explored.

A multi-purpose venue, capable of staging other events, would also house a snooker academy.

"This is a very exciting time for snooker and Sheffield offered the best package," added Walker.

UK Sports Minister Richard Caborn welcomed the announcement. He said: "Sheffield is synonymous with snooker like Wimbledon is to tennis and Wembley is to football."

Hendry not satisfied

Seven-times former champion Stephen Hendry thrashed Anthony Hamilton 13-3 with a session to spare to book his place in the quarter-finals of the world championship yesterday.

Despite the margin of victory, Hendry said he had struggled to find his best form.

"In patches I felt good, but when the score goes to 9-2 and 10-2 it's very difficult to stay focused," said the 36-year-old Scot.

"It's nice to finish a session early. I now have a few days to work on the practice table and get back to the way I was cueing before the tournament."

Other result: (first round) McCulloch bt Dott 10-9.