Seven new tournaments will be staged in the coming season as part of World Snooker’s innovative Pro Challenge Series.
The series, which starts in late July, will be open to all 96 players on the professional circuit, giving extra opportunities to play competitive matches and compete for prize money.
The series will supplement the Tour of world ranking and invitation tournaments run by World Snooker.
Four of the seven events in the Pro Challenge Series will use the standard 15-red format, while the other three will use the Super Sixes format, which was first trialled at the recent Betfred.com World Snooker Championship.
“It’s a great idea because it keeps players bubbling under and gives them vital match practice,” said Harold. “The events will be played at decent venues with decent prize money so that’s an incentive for all players to take part. Using the six-red format for some of the events will be interesting because it’s quick-fire snooker, although it’s still the best players who come through.”
Holt added: “Any chance to play more snooker is a good thing. It’s what all of us professionals want, to play competitive matches with the chance to earn prize money. It will help keep us sharp in between ranking events.”
Certain tournaments will also give fans the chance to watch their heroes in action for reduced ticket prices.
Further details for the first tournament, at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds, will be released shortly on www.worldsnooker.com
Pro Challenge Series dates:
Pro Challenge 1
28-30 July
Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds
Pro Challenge 2 – Super Sixes
31 August – 1 September
Pontin’s, Prestatyn
Pro Challenge 3
9-11 November
Venue tbc
2010
Pro Challenge 4
4-6 January
Venue tbc
Pro Challenge 5
16-18 February
Venue tbc
Pro Challenge 6 – Super Sixes
16-17 March
Venue tbc
Pro Challenge 7 – Super Sixes
8-9 April
Venue tbc
