Speed isn’t really a quality most people associate with snooker. Patience, precision, technique? Sure. But speed?
Forget everything you know about snooker because the fast-paced, all-action Snooker Shoot Out is a whole different ball game. First played in 1990, the tournament was designed to make the sport of snooker more accessible. As a result, all matches are played over a single frame and have a maximum time limit of 10 minutes.
To ensure the action stays speedy, players receive just 15 seconds per shot in the first 5 minutes, and 10 seconds per shot for the remainder of the match. With the pressure of a shot clock hanging over every decision, players are forced to think fast and act even faster. It might not be snooker as you know it, but it’s a pure, high-stakes form of the game easy for all to enjoy, where mistakes and moments of genius are never far away.
While the format of play might seem revolutionary enough, the Snooker Shoot Out also employs a random draw, meaning the world’s top players are not protected by a seeding process. Similar to competitions like the FA Cup, this adds to the excitement and helps to throw up shock early exits and fairytale runs to the Final.
On Thursday 15 December, the World Snooker Tour announced the draw for the 2023 Snooker Shoot Out, which included its fair share of surprises. Among the most notable ties is a Wednesday 25 January clash between World #12 Shaun Murphy and reigning Shoot Out Champion Hossein Vafaei. Another key clash will see World #5 Mark Allen face World #10 Jack Lisowski.
The Snooker Shoot Out is a highly unpredictable tournament and, without a doubt, one of the most exciting events on the World Snooker Tour calendar. Ideal for snooker fans new and old, the event continues to act as a launch pad for rising stars, and a gateway to a love of the game for those attending for the very first time.
In 2023, between 25–28 January, Leicester’s Morningside Arena will host the latest edition of the Snooker Shoot Out. Tickets begin at £22 for a session or $126.50 for the entire event.
For more information about the Snooker Shoot Out, or to purchase tickets, click here.
