snooky147 wrote:Well, if it is true then so much for Hearn's promise not to touch the format of the Majors. Sorry to say I saw it coming though and if it is announced it's a sad day for the Sport.
I will agree with you on this, to be honest. When Barry Hearn arrived, there were people who were worried that he'd make everything gimmicky and ruin the sport. I'm glad to see most people gave him the benefit of the doubt, before they see what he would do. And, I will say, let's not tourist off Hearn until this is confirmed.
However on saying that, there have been hints that Barry is more for shortening matches, rather then lengthening them. Like when he created the World Open, and had best mate Steve Davis talk about the possibility of shortening matches at The Crucible amongst other retarded ideas. That was a suggestion he was testing the waters as it was.
We've also had Welsh Open matches shortened (which I didn't like, but reluctantly accepted as it was more practical and got all matches on television). But if they start shortening matches at the UK, it would beging to look grim for a lot of tournaments in my eyes. However well intentioned the decision, which I believe it would be, the fact is it's still shortening a very prestigious, long-frame tournament. If they'd shortened that, it would be a very real shame, in my opinion.
However, though Hearn does sometimes exude that the believes short matches = better, I will say let's see if it's confirmed first. I will be the first to say it's the wrong decision, if it does happen. But we are only speculating at this point.