ONEFORSEVEN Gets Thumbs Up!
Despite adverse weather conditions affecting the entry list, the first ever ONEFORSEVEN event was hailed an outstanding success by players and fans.
Heavy snow prevented Graeme Dott and Barry Hawkins making the starting line-up and an ear infection which had kept him awake the night before meant that crowd-favourite, Jimmy White was a last minute withdrawal.
Fans were treated to a spectacle of 84 one-frame matches in the stunning four table, open-plan arena with music and lights adding a touch of showbiz to the proceedings.
The standard of play was of the highest quality throughout the day, with Ryan Day claiming the first prize and the highest break with a 128 in the Final Eight.
Sixteen players took part and former UK Champion, Matthew Stevens told Global-Snooker.com, “I think it’s a great format, the atmosphere in the arena is great, I didn't even realise there was music on until the third or fourth round".
Former world number three, Stephen Lee said, “It’s different. There were some bold changes but they all worked really well.”
Lee’s wife, Laura, also applauded the event. She said, “Superb! I loved it. I struggle to watch full matches in the traditional format but the changes on the leaderboard are fascinating and the fact that you can talk without distracting the players is great”.
One fan said, "ONEFORSEVEN is the way forward. I can watch the action, have a drink and talk about the play with my mates, what more could you ask for."
Neil Tomkins and Peter Bainbridge, the men behind the concept were equally delighted with the response to the first event. Bainbridge said, "It couldn't have gone better. The response from players and fans has been overwhelmingly positive and we now plan to stage more events in the coming years".
