Power Snooker comes to ITV

July 22, 2010   ·   5 Comments

Snooker is bracing itself for a revolution after the launch of a new style tournament aimed at breathing new life into the sport.

‘Power Snooker’ is a major departure from the orthodox game and has been created by Rod Gunner and fully backed by World Snooker chief, Barry Hearn. The new tournament will see matches lasting just 30 minutes with points counting over frames won.

The new tournament has received the backing of Ronnie O’Sullivan who will participate in an 8 hour spectacular in October when some of the world’s top players will premiere the new format.

Three times world champion O’Sullivan welcomed the new format claiming that the World Championships had become ‘boring’.

O’Sullivan said : “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 just that a few people have got to get their heads around it. It is the year 2010 and we are not stuck in the 1970s anymore.”

O’Sullivan added : “Snooker needs a new audience and the idea of a game coming to an end in 30 minutes is exciting. I can understand that people still like their long endurance games, but for me the excitement of playing a game that keeps you on your toes, keeps you on your edge, is something I am really looking forward to. ”

“It is going to change snooker. The crowd will love it and the public will enjoy it. I cannot find a flaw in it. You just want some excitement in your life and this brings excitement.”

Barry Hearn said : “We are 100% behind Power Snooker. In this new time for World Snooker, it is important for us to embrace new formats and new ideas. World Snooker welcome the Power Snooker event which we hope will bring new audiences and new fans to the sport.”

Tournament creator Gunner added: “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.”

The first 8 hour Power Snooker Tournament will take place on October 30 at the O2 Arena and will be screened on ITV4.  It’s expected that the tournament will feature some of the razzmatazz attributed more recently to darts including music, lights and crowd participation.

More details of the tournament and the rules can be found at www.powersnooker.com

Tags: Barry Hearn, ITV4, Power Snooker, Ronnie O'Sullivan