Snooker revamp to include televised shoot out
For the first time since 2004, Sky Sports will broadcast a World Snooker event, the new World Snooker Shoot Out from next year.
The event will take place between January 28th and 30th, and will feature the top 64 players in the world playing in a random draw over a one-frame shoot out.
The tournament is part of new World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association chairman Barry Hearn’s radical plans to revamp the sport, as he has added more events for the players to play in and increased prize money. Hearn also plans to introduce 11 televised tournaments and a new Pro Tour consisting of 12 events, which would be open to all 96 players on the circuit. The World Snooker Shoot Out is just one of these new televised events. Hearn already introduced the World Open at this year’s world championships, as well as bringing a new ranking event to Berlin for the first time in 14 years, the German Masters.
“It will be snooker at full throttle, testing the players to the limits of what they can do under pressure. They will have to make quick decisions and show their natural ability and plenty of bottle – with the chance to double their money for every game they win. There will be a very lively atmosphere so it might not be one for the purists, but we want to appeal to new and younger audiences and this is the perfect format to trial,” said Hearn.
The event will have a 20-second shot clock, no time-outs, and a maximum of 12 minutes for the frames. The quick-fire format will see Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby and others compete for a top prize of £32,000.
Sky Sports currently broadcasts the very successful Premier League snooker, and this new tournament is looking to follow that success.
“I’m delighted to bring Sky on board for this one because I have every confidence that under producer Rory Hopkins’ production team, the coverage will be both original and innovative. The format fits perfectly for Sky, with non-stop breathtaking action which will keep viewers and the live audience on the edge of their seats. I’m in discussion with several sponsors and I fully believe that this event will be a massive success.
“This is among the most exciting ideas I’ve had since coming back into snooker and I can’t wait to see it realised. It’s one of a variety of new events on the calendar which will help to generate a new and wonderful era for snooker,” said Hearn.
Snooker is getting the revival it needs, and the World Snooker Shoot Out is a sign that it is quickly moving in a positive direction.
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