New ‘Power Snooker’ format unveiled

July 23, 2010

World Snooker has unveiled ‘Power Snooker’ a new Twenty20-style shortened format of the game, with the first competition due to take place at London’s O2 Arena in October.

Featuring eight players, the competition will be a one day-event with each match lasting just 30 minutes, the winner being the highest points scorer.

The new format has been devised by Rod Gunner, and endorsed by World Snooker chief executive Barry Hearn.

Ronnie O’Sullivan has already confirmed his attendance, with Neil Robertson, Ding Junhui, Mark Selby, Ali Carter, Shaun Murphy, Luca Brecel and Jimmy White being lined up to participate.

Gunner, who created the new format, said: “It had struck me for some time that the game of snooker needed a new and exciting transfusion.

“Having seen how Twenty20 cricket has revitalised that sport, I am delighted to have come up with the concept of Power Snooker and seen the positive reaction from within the game.”

O’Sullivan added his typically unique support for the format, saying: “To be honest I find the World Championship quite a bore. I’ve won it three times, but 17 days in Sheffield is draining. People just want to pitch up and play.

“This is the future of snooker. It is just that a few people have got to get their heads around it. We are not stuck in the 1970s anymore.”