Snooker players blast 'absolutely nuts' decision to make Shoot Out a ranking event

In a press release on Wednesday morning, the sport's organisers confirmed the move to give the tournament ranking status despite it being settled against a time clock of only 10 seconds a shot and being down to luck more than any sustained period of skill.

“The Shoot Out is all about who can handle the pressure and think fast when the clock is ticking. And that pressure will be intensified now that every pound earned counts towards the ranking list," said World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn.

“For the players, competition will be fierce, and that’s the way sport should be. And they have 18 other ranking events to compete in next season so there is plenty of opportunity to climb the ranking list.

"We’re delighted to expand the tournament to all 128 tour players to give everyone a chance to experience this unique event with an opportunity to go all the way to the top prize.

Ranking event finals are settled over a minimum of the best of 17 frames, 19 frames and for the World final that Mark Selby won 18-14 against Ding Junhui a week ago, the best of 35 frames.

The decision has prompted fierce criticism via social media with Australia's 2010 world champion Robertson, a traditionalist who does not believe the Shoot Out is a proper test of talent, saying: "Absolutely nuts. A huge slap in the face to any player who has actually won a proper ranking event."

2002 world champion Peter Ebdon said: "Somebody please tell me this is a complete wind-up."

Former World Championship semi-finalist and multiple ranking event winner Mark Allen was equally scathing with the two-times world champion Mark Williams accusing Hearn of "losing his marbles".

"Sorry bazza but this is a massive mockery of our sport to have this count. The event is a bit of fun nothing else," said Allen.

But former UK champion Judd Trump appeared to back the decision and World Snooker said: "The one frame knockout event with a shot clock is known for producing quick-fire action and dramatic finishes. All matches are played over one frame lasting a maximum of ten minutes.

"The tournament was first staged in 2011 and has been won by Nigel Bond, Barry Hawkins, Martin Gould, Dominic Dale, Michael White and most recently Finland’s Robin Hull, who beat Luca Brecel in the final in Reading last February.

"During the 2016/17 season, money earned at the Shoot Out will count towards the money rankings list for the first time. The tournament will be open to all 128 World Snooker Tour players, rather than the top 64 seeds who enter, as has been the case in previous years."

"The 2017 event will run from February 24 to 26, with the venue yet to be announced. It will be televised by ITV4."