The 2024 Snooker Shoot Out tournament, like every year, attracted great interest from snooker enthusiasts. Since 2017 the tournament has been held as a ranking event, this tournament offers thrilling moments for both players and spectators with its high energy and fast pace. Its single-frame, fast-paced format sets it apart from traditional snooker tournaments, allowing players to showcase their quick thinking and instant decision-making skills. This year’s tournament also delivered surprising results, dramatic moments, and unforgettable matches, providing an exceptional experience for the audience.
As for the rules, the tournament follows the same basic principles as traditional snooker. However, matches are played over a single frame with a 10-minute timer running in the background. When the timer reaches zero, the player with the higher score wins the match. If the scores are tied, a blue ball shootout is used. In this scenario, the referee clears the table, leaving only the blue and white balls, and places the blue ball on its spot. A player then places the cue ball within the D area and takes their shot. The turn alternates between the players, and the first one to fail to score loses the match. Due to the timer, players are under significant time pressure to make their shots. The shot clock starts as soon as all the balls on the table stop moving or when the referee places a colored ball back on the table. During the first five minutes of the match, players have 15 seconds to make their shots, and in the final five minutes, this is reduced to 10 seconds. Failure to take a shot within the allocated time results in a penalty of 5 points or a penalty depending on the ball in play.
Another unique feature of this format is that spectators are allowed to cheer or shout as much as they like during matches. In traditional snooker tournaments, silence is mandatory, and referees may intervene to maintain quietness when necessary. However, in this format, there are no such restrictions, allowing fans to support their favorite players at any moment, much like in a football match.
Another notable difference lies in the dress code. Traditional tournaments have strict attire rules, but in the Shoot Out, players wear jerseys similar to football uniforms due to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the games, which causes players to sweat more.
Due to the single-frame format and the need to make quick decisions, surprising outcomes are common. Since 2017, champions have emerged from outside the UK and Europe, such as Michael Georgiou from Cyprus in 2018, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh from Thailand in 2019, and Hossein Vafaei from Iran, who defeated Mark Williams in the 2022 final.
Looking at the matches in this year’s tournament, it would not be wrong to say that female players left their mark in the first round. Chinese player Bai Yulu made history as the second woman to win a match in this tournament by defeating Jamie Clarke. Yulu played a very successfully both in terms of skill and composure. Additionally, this round saw the lowest-scoring in the tournament’s history, as Slessor defeated Drogham 7-1.
In the second round, a remarkable match between 2022 champion Hossein Vafaei and Andrew Higginson stood out. Despite having less than 90 seconds left on the clock, Andrew produced an incredible comeback, scoring 42 points to win the match 57-55. It was undoubtedly one of the most exciting matches that showcased the energy and thrill of the tournament.
In the round of 32, several top-seeded players were eliminated. Australian Neil Robertson lost 48-2 to 2005-born Liam Pullen, exiting the tournament in the third round. Another surprising result came from the match between Ali Carter and Liam Graham, where the 45-year-old experienced player lost 43-37 to the young Scottish player, who had been impressive throughout the tournament.
In the round of 16, Mark Selby and Yize Wu were the standout players. In the opening match, world number three Mark Selby reaffirmed his status as a favorite with an 80-0 victory over Liam Pullen. Meanwhile, Yize Wu defeated Elliot Slessor 46-43 with precise safety shots to advance to the quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals, Mark Selby continued his dominant form, defeating Nussie 104-1 without losing control of the match. This score also marked the second-century break of the tournament.
The first semi-final was between Liam Graham and Mark Selby. Despite taking an early 20-0 lead, Selby lost to Graham, who capitalized on scattered balls and successful potting to win 38-20 and secure his place in the final. The second semi-final saw Tom Ford face Yize Wu. Both players had chances to win during average time, but the match ended 32-32, leading to a blue ball shootout. Tom Ford emerged victorious, earning his spot in the final.
The final match was a nail-biter until the very last second. In the opening minutes, both players opted for safety shots, aiming to set up snooker, leading to just one point being scored in the first five minutes. As time ran out, errors began to increase, and Liam Graham was the first to capitalize, taking a 24-8 lead with 94 seconds remaining. The 20-year-old Scottish player was just a few shots away from winning his first ranking tournament title. However, a missed red ball gave Tom Ford an opportunity, which he seized to turn the match around and win 31-28, becoming the 2024 Snooker Shoot Out champion.