DEFENDING UK Snooker Champion Neil Robertson has attacked format changes to the York event which have seen the semi-finals shortened to a best-of-11 frames shootout this year.
The world number two, who beat Mark Selby 10-7 12 months ago to claim the title, expressed disappointment that the last-four games have been reduced from their traditional best-of-17 format.
Robertson’s semi-final with Stuart Bingham last year went all the way after the latter fought back from 8-3 down to force a decider – a comeback would be impossible this time with the new arrangements.
The ten time ranking event winner has also criticised World Snooker’s decision not to carry over any first round matches for the tournament, which begins at the York Barbican next Tuesday.
This means Robertson’s first round match, against amateur Joe O’Connor, will not be shown on television with the BBC coverage not starting until the second round gets under way on Saturday.
“I disagree with the change,” said Robertson on the semi-final rules. “I thought that the UK Championship held a lot of its value, even when it went down to best-of-11s, as it still maintained a best out of 17 semi-final. I guess maybe it is because there are two different semi-finals over two days – maybe one player gains an advantage.
“It’s a little bit disappointing. I just hope they don’t start changing the format for finals. The top players want to play long distance matches. You don’t want to play short matches. I don’t think there was anything wrong with the drama at all in either semi-final last year.
“I know Mark won his semi quite comfortably but he made a 147 and my semi-final with Stuart was fantastic as well. From being 8-3 to 8-8, the crowd and everyone watching got their value.
“I am not too sure what the reason is behind the change. It looked to me as though they didn’t really have to do it but World Snooker have got their reasons.”
He added: “You see how matches pan out. You see matches of two halves – one guy comes out absolutely flying in one session and you see how the other guy responds. They could have done it with the International as well but that was kept the best out of 17.
“It’s an odd one. I haven’t really heard Barry Hearn’s or World Snooker’s reasons behind it. They haven’t really said publicly why. They have just done it without really consulting the players at all, which is a little bit disappointing.”
Last year, some matches were held over to the weekend to allow the BBC to show the first round clashes of high profile players such as Mark Selby and Ronnie O’Sullivan. This year all 128 contestants will play in the first three days of the competition – before the TV cameras have turned up.
Robertson added: “It’s a bit disappointing. Especially the first match. In a big tournament like this, as the defending champion, you want to be playing in front of the TV cameras. It is something that World Snooker decides, and the BBC.
“The players don’t really have a say in any of these decisions so we have just got to get on with it.”
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