More than 50 professionals, including 12 members of the elite top 16, will take part in the first Six Reds World Championship in Killarney, Republic of Ireland next month.
Among those taking part are reigning Crucible world champion John Higgins, Stephen Hendry, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Selby, Stephen Maguire, Peter Ebdon, Mark Allen and Steve Davis.
Ken Doherty, one of the organisers, is also in the 160-man field, which includes more than half of the main tour plus amateurs from countries such as Brazil, India and the United Arab Emirates.
“It’s a different sort of the game to what people are used to – fast and furious. Some snooker matches can go on for hours but six reds is quick-fire and entertaining,” Doherty said.
“It’s something a bit different and I know all the players are looking forward to it.
“It’s great that Ireland is staging the first Six Reds World Championship and the field is properly international, open to professionals and amateurs.
“It’ll be cut-throat because with nine fewer reds than normal, one mistake can cost you a frame.
“But it promises to be a very competitive event. We have 12 of the world’s top 16 players already confirmed and are talking to the others so it will be a high quality line up.”
The 160 players will be divided into 32 groups, with the top three from each advancing to the knockout phase.
The action takes place at the INEC in Killarney from December 15-18. Entries are still being accepted and more information can be found at http://www.6redworldchampionships.com/.
18 comments:
Television?
Is it on TV?
I'm told it's very likely to be
Dave, do something for snooker and DO NOT advertise this pathetic 6 reds thing.
Thanks for the advice
However, if Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Steve Davis are going to play in it I fail to see how it can be regarded as 'pathetic'
I dont think it's pathetic, but do you feel it could become too big and threaten the main game, like Twenty Twenty has done to test cricket. I know the event needs a plug, but I am concerned that people will like this version too much and that 15 reds may be affected. I know at the moment that seems laughable thing to say, but when 20/20 was introduced it was just a hit and giggle, but now it has exploded into a big commercial beast.
Is it just me who's struggling with their website? not a good start for 6reds!
6 reds is infinitely preferable to onefourseven. At least in essence it's still snooker.
According to their home page, it's the top 2 from each group that qualify for the KO phase, not the top 3
cant we have a 21 red tournament too, one for the purists?
I came here expecting to see the usual narrow-minded comments rubbishing 6 reds, and I wasn't disappointed.
'I am concerned that people will like this version too much and that 15 reds may be affected'
Oh yes, perish the thought snooker should actually give people what they want, instead of shoving the same tired old formula down their throats. It's not as though the livelihood of the players depends on snooker being popular, or anything.
Seriously - I'm glad this blog is beginning to accept those of us who said that 6-reds is a major part of snooker's future - perhaps THE major part - were right.
Steve Davis and John Higgins aren't just playing in this event, they've both stated publically that snooker must adapt to the demands of the 21st century, who wants a faster sport, or die.
I'd only watch the 6 reds event if it was best of 35 in the early rounds!
I'm really looking forward to this tournament. Enything that promotes snooker, a sport which is all but dead in Canada and apparently not going to well in your own country, is a good thing... Kudos to Ken Doherty and the other organisers for a real effort here. It's unfortunate i probably won't be able to watch it on tv (providing it will be shown on tv), unless some generous soul put a few matches on YouTube...
Cheers from Canada!
i want 21 red snooker, not a measly 6
Contrary to what Ken says there, I've heard that the players don't really like 6 or 10 red snooker. What's the unofficial line, is the same as the official line?
I'd certainly watch it on the tellybox thing though.
Andy
They probably dont like it, but there is money up for grabs ands as long as the ranking events are not interfered with by this experiement then no harm will be done unless it becomes too popular.
the game needs to be promoted in any way it can but im not sure 6 ball is the answer it certainly wont suit the top players as upsets are aplenty
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