Pro Challenge Series Launched
A new series of events launched by World Snooker will be held during the coming season, with seven tournaments making up the Pro Challenge Series.
The first event will start on July 28 at the Northern Snooker Centre in Leeds and will last for three days.
All 96 players on the professional circuit for the 2009/10 season will be eligible to enter the series, helping to satisfy the demand from players for additional competitive matches and earning opportunities.
The series will supplement the existing Tour of world ranking and invitation tournaments run by World Snooker which includes the Betfred.com World Championship.
The Pro Challenge Series will incorporate both the traditional 15-red format and the Super Sixes format, which
was first trialled in Sheffield earlier this year.
Former Asian Open champion Dave Harold and world No 24 Michael Holt were amongst the player representatives and were involved in the discussion on the new series.
"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."
The Seres of tournaments will 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.
