Ssb - hearn on the radio

[MySockPuppet]

Barry Hearn will appear on BBC Radio 5 Live tonight from 9.30pm to talk about his ongoing plans for snooker.

He has already teased the possibility of a World Cup, which is long overdue.

The old World Team Cup was played over four days featuring just eight teams but the World Cup staged in Bangkok in 1996 was a proper international event.

Needless to say it hasn't been staged since.

The Nations Cup was a poor imitation in comparison and has not been staged since 2001.

Snooker is an individual sport but team snooker is a staple of leagues and would create a different atmosphere.

The four UK home nations could be joined by the Republic of Ireland, China, Thailand, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Brazil and various other outposts. The game is played by amateurs in more countries than ever.

Hearn has a number of announcements to come, including broadcast deals and new innovations.

They won't all be introduced this season but the game is now going forward after many years of stagnation.


More...

[spike]

Damn...I'm playing Snooker this evening, so will miss what Barry has to say.

If someone does get to hear the interview, would you be so kind as to put some of what he has to say on this thread please.

Thanks..

[Matt_2745]

Barry was in good form tonight, didn't really say anything new, the usual about wanting to give tournaments a unique identity, wanting the players to work harder for success and to promote the game, that the majors will be ringfenced from things like the shot clock, that he couldn't care less about billiards and so on.

The things of note were that he said that we could have a verdict on the Higgins case within 28 days (although he also said 14 at one point), but that it will probably be subject to an appeal either way. Also said when asked when we can expect to hear good news re: new events etc that "by September 1st we will be rocking and rolling".

They also read out my text saying asking if he finds it as odd as I do that the top players don't have websites in this day and age and he agreed which was cool.

Rest of the questions were about darts, fishing, boxing etc. Was absolutely scathing of the BDO, naturally

[Gargon]

Was slightly dissapointed with the interview. Was good to hear him on the radio and hear his opinions on different matters like the Higgins case and the PTC events but would of liked to heard atleast one new idea/tournament.

[ferret]

Listen again @ http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t0sdj

[Mr P]

I can't be bothered to listen to the whole chat. But I have one question, was it a phone-in where people phoned in to ask questions?

[spike]

I can't be bothered to listen to the whole chat. But I have one question, was it a phone-in where people phoned in to ask questions?

Just listened to the interivew, and yes the public got to talk to Barry..

[ferret]

Go listen to it and find out!

I found it interesting when Barry said he has been talking to Romania, Brazil and Iceland, one thing I was expecting to hear was a announcement of CPTC or Chinese Players Tour Championships, to me this is a no brainer, China is a larger growth market than Germany for the sport and the EPTC's are already going to Germany. I am sure this is something that has been discusses at Snooker HQ and with time I am also sure we will see a EPTC.

No mention either of Power Snooker, for those of you who seen my thread a few days ago regarding Power Snooker sorry but I have had to remove the thread till next Thursday when the official announcement is as the information has been embargoed till then.

I can say that it will be aired on ITV4 Live for the full 8 hours which will be form the 02 Arena in London on the 30th of October.

There will also be a press release next Thursday from me announcing how TSF will be working exclusively with Power Snooker for this event and events in the future.

Back on track lets look at the calendar and add what has been mentioned 4 other possible EPTC events, 3 more events form Romania, Brazil and Iceland, Power Snooker and one other event that I know of but can not tell you what it is

All in all a very busy calendar but there is still room for more .............

[Mr P]

I did listen to it at the end, I couldn't really resist it, but I got a bollocking for having it a little bit to loud!

I don't think he can add anymore Players Tour Championship events to the calendar this year as he already has them fixed at 12 events, and with the PTC Order of Merit up and running it would be unfair on the players doing so well, and with so many UK Based players playing in the ones at Sheffield, they may not be able to afford to go and play at China.

Very busy calendar this year, with some tournament or another going on most weekends, but I'm sure Barry will add so more where he sees fit.

[Gargon]

Really looking forward to hearing about the partnerships with the forum and the new events!

Hope the power snooker event will be well thought out and presented well, going to be in the area in october so will love to watch it live

[ferret]

Tickets go on sale on Friday this week and I would be quick as they are expected to sell out very fast.

[simplysnookeryt]

Wow, forget about snooker for a few months and come back to all this news!

I'm a massive darts fan and can tell you Barry Hearn has done a great job, and snooker should be in very safe hands and a lot more televised!

This Power Snooker, I know you're not allowed to speak about it. But is it a normal tournament, does it run for a day, a week? How many players will enter? It's great that its being aired on ITV4, brings snooker to a much wider audience rather than Sky Sports.

[Mr P]

Will the Power Snooker event attract the big players ferret?

[ferret]

It is a one day event, 8 hours in all and yes will attract the big players.

[Mr P]

Looking forward to it then.

What's the date of it?