Snooker launches new format 23/07/2010 |
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A new snooker format has been launched as part of plans to modernise the sport.
Power Snooker will begin on October 30 at the O2 in London, with eight hours of live coverage on ITV4. The four top ranked players in the world will appear alongside four wild cards, likely to include crowd favourites such as Jimmy White.
The new format will feature games lasting half an hour each, with 20 seconds allowed for each shot and double points scored for a two-minute period if the "power ball" red is sunk.
Created by Rod Gunner and sanctioned by Barry Hearn's World Snooker, it is hoped Power Snooker will do for the sport what Twenty20 did for cricket.
Hearn said: "We could be at the birth of something very exciting and something truly global to work alongside existing snooker. It's all aimed at giving more earning opportunities to the professionals that play this great sport. We love new ideas and it comes down to the viewers and the people who buy the tickets."
Snooker’s biggest name, Ronnie O'Sullivan – who helped develop the new format – raised eyebrows at the launch when he added: "I've got to be honest, I find the world championship really boring. I've won it three times but 17 days in Sheffield is draining. People just want to pitch up and play.
“Anything new is a challenge. I definitely think this is the future of snooker. It is the year 2010 and we are not stuck in the 1970s any more. Snooker needs a new audience and the idea of a game coming to an end in 30 minutes is exciting. The crowd will love it and the public will enjoy it."
If the autumn event is a success, Gunner plans to launch a global series with legs in China, Germany, Singapore and the Middle East, culminating in a London final back at the O2.
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