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Ssb - thumbs up for the world open
So the final is between world champion Neil Robertson, who is to be snooker's eighth official no.1, and Ronnie O'Sullivan, the mercurial genius of the green baize.
The 12bet.com World Open did not, as some had predicted, turn into a lottery with shocks a-plenty. Quite the opposite in fact.
This tournament was a typical Barry Hearn gamble and, typically for Hearn, it worked.
He seems to have an innate knowledge of what people want...even when they don't realise they want it themselves.
It's been a week of great excitement in Glasgow.
Why? Because close matches are exciting and best of fives are always going to be close. Even when a player goes 2-0 up there is the feeling that the match is not over.
It's shown up just how stale the old best of nine frame format had become.
That's not to say best of nines should be scrapped. They remain the staple for tournaments outside the three majors.
I would also guard against a kneejerk reaction when it comes to meddling with the formats of the World Championship, UK Championship and Wembley Masters but thank goodness this new event was given a go.
Having one table was another correct decision. It made it a completely level playing field, unlike in many events when half the matches are played in cubicle conditions.
This summed up another Hearn ethos: I'll give you the chance, what you make of it is up to you.
What the week proved is that the best players respond well under pressure. That, coupled with their obvious skill, is why they are the best.
OK, some matches early on were not appealing but you get that under any format.
At least with best of fives if you don't like the first match another one will be along in a few minutes.
The SECC audience have got to see a variety of players rather than being lumped with two they may not take to.
Crowds built up to be very good in the last few days of the tournament.
I don't know what the BBC will do regarding this event next season. It will depend not just on ratings but other factors such as cost and scheduling.
But clearly the World Open has its place in the snooker calendar.
It must surely be back next season.
More...
The 12bet.com World Open did not, as some had predicted, turn into a lottery with shocks a-plenty. Quite the opposite in fact.
This tournament was a typical Barry Hearn gamble and, typically for Hearn, it worked.
He seems to have an innate knowledge of what people want...even when they don't realise they want it themselves.
It's been a week of great excitement in Glasgow.
Why? Because close matches are exciting and best of fives are always going to be close. Even when a player goes 2-0 up there is the feeling that the match is not over.
It's shown up just how stale the old best of nine frame format had become.
That's not to say best of nines should be scrapped. They remain the staple for tournaments outside the three majors.
I would also guard against a kneejerk reaction when it comes to meddling with the formats of the World Championship, UK Championship and Wembley Masters but thank goodness this new event was given a go.
Having one table was another correct decision. It made it a completely level playing field, unlike in many events when half the matches are played in cubicle conditions.
This summed up another Hearn ethos: I'll give you the chance, what you make of it is up to you.
What the week proved is that the best players respond well under pressure. That, coupled with their obvious skill, is why they are the best.
OK, some matches early on were not appealing but you get that under any format.
At least with best of fives if you don't like the first match another one will be along in a few minutes.
The SECC audience have got to see a variety of players rather than being lumped with two they may not take to.
Crowds built up to be very good in the last few days of the tournament.
I don't know what the BBC will do regarding this event next season. It will depend not just on ratings but other factors such as cost and scheduling.
But clearly the World Open has its place in the snooker calendar.
It must surely be back next season.
More...