Dannyboy wrote:I think the reduction is a good idea - there is no need for long qualification processes except for the World Championship. 99% of the time the same player will win.
It's a shame the Masters is moving away from its spiritual home of Wembley. However, the lack of atmosphere and the big cost of running the tournament may have changed things. Uncle Barry has a long association with Alexandra Palace through the PDC and other events. I went to Ally Pally in December for the PDC World Championship. It must be one of the best venues in London.
The venue will hold about 2-3,000 snooker fans in the West Hall (the smaller of the two halls). The architecture, history and grandeur of the place gives the tournament the profile its deserves.
The other move to the Barbican in York just had to happen. Telford was killing the tournament. Maybe Uncle Barry could increase the amount of frames in the Semis to Bo25 and the Final back to Bo31. There isn't enough difference between the quarters and the final. It would only add 2 days onto the tournament. Hopefully it will still be in York for the significant future. Having said that, the British Broadcasting Cuts Corporation making cutbacks in all sports, I can't see the UK Championship being broacasted by the Beeb much longer. It is next IMO.
I also heard that the Welsh Open is being moved to Llanelli? I read somewhere that it could mean the death of the tournament? IMO the Welsh Open is a waste of time as a proper ranking event. It probably needs to be reduced to a PTC event. The players care little, the ranking points are low and the prize money is lower than other events.
Welcome to the forun
Interesting first post that one.
The only experience I have of Ally Pally from a viewing perspective is of course from watching the Darts. It looks a serious venue in fairness, can't wait to see what they do with it for the snooker and how the whole thing wll work. The place has a bitof history behind it, which is good for the tournament.
On the UK, I'm not sure about it being cut by the Beeb, could happen, I don't know. But the move back to the Barbican is positive. On the subject of an extended tournament, it's something I'd love to see happen. I think a UK final should be at least best-of-25, I tell you what that's a cracking format and works really well for the Worlds. I'd like to best-of-25 semi-finals and best-of-31 final, but unforutnately it's not wholly realistic under Hearn.
Never been too fussed about the Welsh Open in all honesty...