EXCLUSIVE: A burgeoning snooker format endorsed by Ronnie O’Sullivan has acquired backing from a legend of the sport.
Ronnie O’Sullivan is ready to strive his hand at a fast-paced snooker format (Picture: Getty)
Cliff Thornburn wasn’t famend for his velocity of play throughout his snooker profession. ‘The Grinder’, as he was recognized throughout his pomp within the Seventies and 80s, wore opponents down with a affected person and cautious model of play.
Nonetheless, he has given his full help to an progressive format the place velocity is of the essence. The Snooker 900 format sees 15-minute frames, a 20-second shot clock and ball-in-hand for fouls. Among the sport’s high stars have already had a go, with Neil Robertson, Mark Selby, Mark Williams and John Higgins collaborating within the Crucible Cup in November. Snooker 900 is run by Ronnie O’Sullivan’s supervisor and the boss of World Seniors Snooker, Jason Francis. The Rocket is a backer of the idea, which launched in 2022, and frequently promotes it on his social media channels.
The seven-time world champion may have a go himself at April’s John Virgo Trophy in Eire, which shall be performed underneath 900 guidelines. With common protection of the Snooker 900 channel on Pluto TV, amateurs and rising stars even have the possibility to point out off their expertise.
Throughout a current go to to the UK, the Canadian legend, 78, watched a spherical of Snooker 900 motion first-hand at Studying’s Crucible Membership and was impressed with what he noticed.
“I do like the foundations,” mentioned the 1980 world champion. “It is simple. I just like the cue ball in hand [after a foul]. That is an enormous benefit.
“With the time restriction, it is enjoyable, it is hair-raising in a manner. It is totally different and fits a North American viewers. I really like the concept.”
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The John Virgo Trophy has been organised following the sudden passing of the previous UK champion, Massive Break host and BBC commentator on the age of 79. The four-player match, additionally that includes Higgins, Williams and Stephen Hendry, shall be performed on the legendary Goffs venue in Kildare on April 11-12, shortly earlier than the beginning of the World Championship on the Crucible.
O’Sullivan and Williams have additionally signed up for the World Seniors World Championship, which will even happen on the Crucible quickly after the primary occasion on Could 6-10.
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