The Welsh Open changes its format
The Welsh Open will adopt a new format and move to Newport for the tournament, which takes place in February.
The length of the earlier rounds in the tournament will be reduced from nine frames to seven frames and there will be no interval during the matches.
The number of tables in the arena will also be reduced from three to two, so that all the matches can be shown on television.
A spokesman for World Snooker told reporters, "We are using a range of exciting new formats this season to add variety to our tournaments."
The spokesman also revealed that they would consider the views of fans and players during and after the tournament.
"We will be keen to receive feedback from fans and players on the new format."
The World Snooker organisation is keen to allow people to see their local players, and as a result, the Welsh Open will be allowed to hold two of the qualifying matches for the tournament. The remaining matches will be held in Sheffield.
"We also have the scope to hold two matches from the qualifiers at the venue, so if two Welsh players such as Matthew Stevens, Ryan Day or Dominic Dale are seeded between 17 and 32, we will give the fans in Newport the chance to see their local favourites
in action."
Defending champion John Higgins, world number one Neil Robertson and Ronnie O’Sullivan will all play at the tournament.
The tournament will also become the last tournament before the seeding for the World Championship, which will mean places will be on offer.
The World Snooker Organisation believe that this will add to the excitement of the tournament.
"The Welsh Open will be the final tournament before the seeding list is updated for the World Championship, which will bring an extra element to the event as players will be battling to guarantee their place at the Crucible."
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