What is Power Snooker?

Power Snooker, which makes its debut at London's O2 Arena in October, puts the emphasis on stroke-making rather than long, drawn-out tactical battles.

"This is the future of snooker and a few people have got to get their heads around it," O'Sullivan said.

"It is going to change snooker. The crowd will love it and the public will enjoy it. I cannot find a flaw in it. You just want some excitement in your life and this brings excitement."

The traditional rules have been picked apart, and instead of the traditional 15-ball rack of reds, there will be red nine balls placed behind the pink in a diamond formation, and players activate a 'PowerPlay' by potting the middle red.

O'Sullivan recently labelled the Crucible tournament in Sheffield as 'boring', but the former world number one insists the new regulations will better suit his aggressive style.

"It is the year 2010 and we are not stuck in the 1970s anymore. I can understand that people still like their long endurance games, but for me the excitement of playing a game that keeps you on your toes, keeps you on your edge, is something I am really looking forward to."

- Players are limited to 20 seconds per shot, and a violation of the rule results in a 20-point penalty.

- Each game lasts half an hour, with the clock starting once the red balls are broken, and stopping only at the end of each frame. At the end of the 30 minutes, the victor is determined by total points rather than the number of frames won.

- Potting the middle red, known as the PowerBall, activates a two-minute PowerPlay during which points are doubled. However, missing a shot during the timeframe means the clock stops, and the opponent gets to use the remaining time.

- The new rules stipulate that two or more reds must hit a cushion following a break to start the frame, and there is a 50-point bonus for a century break. That amount doubles if the feat is repeated in successive frames.

- Organisers also plan to have players wear microphones during games to promote interaction with the crowd.