New snooker series unveiled

Seven new tournaments will be staged in the coming season as part of World Snooker's Pro Challenge Series.

The series, which starts in late July, will be open to all 96 players on the professional circuit, giving extra opportunities to play competitive matches and compete for prize money.

The series will supplement the existing world ranking and invitation tournaments run by World Snooker.

Four of the seven events in the Pro Challenge Series will use the standard 15-red format, while the other three will use the Super Sixes format with six reds.

Dave Harold, a representative on World Snooker's Players' Forum who was involved in initial discussions on the new series, said: ‘It's a great idea because it keeps players bubbling under and gives them vital match practice.

‘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 quickfire snooker, although it's still the best players who come through.’