SnookerMark Williams embarrassed snooker chiefs on the eve of the World Championship by launching a withering attack on the flagship Crucible venue and saying he hoped the tournament would move to China.

The World Snooker chairman, Barry Hearn, swiftly responded by saying that Sheffield, home to the World Championship since 1977, was now “Snooker City”, and he also hailed the atmosphere generated in the Crucible as being “unique and magical”.

Hearn said there was no desire on his behalf to take the tournament overseas.

But the biting criticism from Williams was more potent than the reply, which did not even mention the Welshman by name. It is understood Williams could face punishment in the form of a fine, with disciplinary chiefs at the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association looking into his criticism.

Williams, 37, was champion in 2000 and 2003, but he slated the 980-seat Sheffield theatre in a series of comments on Twitter.

Williams said he was “in trouble” for his remarks, which began with him writing: “WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS just around the corner. shame its played in the crucible, shxt hole, hopefully it will be in china soon.”

The world number four then responded to a follower who pointed out the history of the venue, which is contracted, via Sheffield City Council, to stage the tournament through to 2015.

Williams wrote: “sheffield is a nice place, the crucible is a shxt hole. #hate it” , he added wryly: “its only my opinion . . so dont send me any letters or fines.”