Written in 1998, the text below demonstrates how far ahead Mr. Frank Callan was in his thinking. Thankfully snooker is at last embracing the modern era with a whole range of innovations at many new tournaments including, shot clocks, relaxed attire, themed music hosted by younger referees and television commentators. A modern approach to entertainment whilst maintaining snooker's core beliefs and principles. Encouraging attacking play.

The vast majority of major snooker tournaments operate to the same formula.

Lower ranked professionals play off at the pre - televised stages in best of seven and nine frame matches, for the right to challenge the established or seeded players in the latter stages of events. As tournaments progress the length of matches increases with the finals often played over the greatest number of frames.

Although the established model has stood snooker in good stead over the years, like all sports, snooker has to evolve and consider new formats. The game may need to adapt to make the sport more enjoyable and entertaining for a wider cross section of the viewing and playing public.

So what can be done? What does the public - snookers customers really want to see?

Crowds are drawn to the attacking, flair players, both in the arena and whilst viewing on television. It is no coincidence that Alex Higgins, Jimmy White and Ronnie O'Sullivan are amongst the most popular players the game has ever seen.

Snooker needs to recognise what the paying public wish to see - attacking snooker, big breaks and the game played with excitement and adventure.

The latest crop of professional players have taken the attacking side of the game to new heights over the last ten years, but only within the confines of the existing system. The days of long drawn out tactical battles are rarely seen in the modern game, due to the enhanced potting and break building skills of today's players. In today's game, you must pot balls to survive.

So how can snooker be presented as a product that meets existing requirements, both for spectators and sponsors, whilst also reaching out for those that find the current format tired and uninspiring?

Clearly we are looking for a solution that encourages and rewards attacking play, whilst also incorporating the existing elements of strategy, safety and tactical awareness that many enjoy.

If you have an interesting idea for a tournament format then we would be interested to hear your thoughts.

Frank Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Ribbleton, Preston, Lancashire, England - PR1 5EB - tel. + 44 (0) 1772 702211 - info@fcsnooker.co.uk

The Frank Callan Suite - 282 Ribbleton Lane, Preston, Lancashire, England - PR1 5EB
tel. + 44 (0) 1772 702211 - info@fcsnooker.co.uk

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