World Snooker Chairman Barry Hearn was at the Crucible today to make several announcements about the coming seasons.

 

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Hearn announced:

 

- A change of format for the German Masters and Welsh Open next season. Players ranked 33-96 will play one match, with the winners to face players ranked 1-32 (exact format, in terms of how many players at the venue, is to be confirmed).

 

- German Masters prize money increased to 300,000 Euros with a top prize of 60,000 Euros. Welsh Open up to £250,000 with the winner to get £50,000.

 

- European Tour (part of the Players Tour Championship series) events in Belgium, Bulgaria, Poland, two in Germany and one more. Prize money for each increased to 70,000 Euros. Snooker is the most watched sport on Eurosport, with outstanding viewing figures.

 

- Prize money for PTC Grand Finals increased to £300,000 with a top prize of £100,000.

 

- Future prize money increases are likely to be given to PTC events as they have the fairest structure. Snooker should be a meritocracy with less protection of the top players. Ability should be the only criteria. The PTC events are also likely to be given more ranking points.

 

- The two places allocated to Europe in the tour qualifying criteria will be given to the top two players from continental Europe not already qualified. They are Tony Drago and Luca Brecel. They will both be given a tour card for the next two seasons.

 

- Two years from now, a ranking system based on prize money rather than ranking points will be introduced. For the next two seasons, the money list will run parallel to the points list. The two advantages of the money list will be a) it's easier to understand for the general public b) New players coming on to the tour will have a better chance to climb quickly.