Snooker's brave new World
Snooker's new World Open in September will feature amateurs and the women's world champion.
Last Updated: 21/04/10 8:19pm
Amateurs will be able to take on snooker professionals for the first time at a ranking event after World Snooker announced the introduction of the World Open from September this year.
The tournament will be the first ever open ranking event, allowing amateurs to compete against the world's top players with £500,000 prize money on offer.
In Barry Hearn's latest bid to revamp the sport, 96 professionals will be joined 32 amateurs at the SECC in Glasgow on 18-26 September - while the winner of the ladies World Championship will also be playing.
Featuring a random draw throughout, there will be three qualifying rounds, held at the World Snooker Academy, which will culminate with the top 32 taking on the round two winners.
At least four of these matches will be held over to the venue stage, while all matches leading to the final will be a best of five shootout, the final will be contested over 11 frames.
Amateurs
The amateurs will be selected by the governing bodies of China, Middle East, Africa, Belgium and Germany.
In addition there will be 20 non-professionals places, the winners will come through qualifying events held throughout the UK, 10 from Rileys Clubs and 10 from independent snooker clubs.
Invitations will also go out to two former world champions, the ladies World Champion plus one other female player and two juniors. The tournament will have a new relaxed dress code to enhance the atmosphere.
"The new format creates a hugely exciting and challenging tournament for the players," said Hearn. "A real David and Goliath clash which will capture the public imagination.
"The World Open will give everyone the opportunity to take part and maybe earn the chance at playing the very best in the game."
Higgins backing
World champion John Higgins added: "The World Open will be a great event which will show the changes that snooker is making to make the game more appealing to the fans and players.
"It is another world class event in Scotland and I hope the fans will turn out to support it."
Reanne Evans, winner of six consecutive ladies world titles, is relishing the prospect of competing against her male counterparts.
"It's been a long time coming for the women's game," she said. "I've done everything I can in the sport but this will be a great chance, it's exactly what I have worked so hard for."
