Barry Hearn thinking to follow Wimbledon model for snooker seeding in major ranking events
Snooker fans and players across the globe have witnessed the alterations made by the World Snooker Chairman, Barry Hearn since he was appointed as the head in 2009. He not only introduced many new snooker events but also re-launched the dead snooker events
and revamped a couple of major events. His initiatives have brought a positive change in the game and the way people feel towards it.
The snooker boss now desires to revamp the basic seeding structure of the game according to the Wimbledon model. Currently the World’s Top 16 potters are seeded in the initial round of any major ranking snooker tournament and these players play in four rounds
to reach the final and become Champions. However, in the Wimbledon model of seeding, the players have to play in seven rounds to become Champions.
Wimbledon seeding structure starts from the first round of 128 players and Hearn, in his typical style, believes that the elite potters should also participate in seven rounds and the basic seeding structure should be changed. However, in order to do that,
he must first consult the players, the broadcasters and the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).
While speaking to the Press Association Sport, Hearn said, “That's what I'd like. That involves the consent of my broadcasters, and I appreciate it may be an uphill struggle and there may be a halfway stage.”
He added, “But we've got to make sure we are transparently fair and it is a meritocracy and it's based on ability and not just on past reputation. I still don't like too much safety for the top players. I think they should earn it.”
Besides, Hearn also has a consistent eye on every major snooker event and keeps his own records. On the other hand, he would have desired to win the World Snooker Championship had he become a snooker player. Meanwhile, the qualifiers of the 2012 World Snooker
Championship have come to an end featuring 16 qualifiers who will take on the top 16 potters.
The event will feature the likes of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Judd Trump, Stephen Lee, Stephen Hendry, Mark Williams and Neil Robertson.
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