Mark Allen labels Snooker Shoot Out decision as '˜ridiculous'

The format, in which matches are decided over a solitary 10-minute frame, has several different variants to the traditional game, including a shot clock of 15 seconds per shot for the first five minutes and 10 seconds thereafter.

Nigel Bond was the competition’s inaugural winner in 2011 while current world number 59 Robin Hull triumphed in its last staging in February.

From next year, however, all results will count towards the money rankings list for the first time.

World number seven Allen said on Twitter: “Ridiculous decision. This sums up the governing body.... 10 minute shock clock frames count on ranking list but the masters doesn’t!! WOW”

The 2017 tournament, which will be open to all 128 World Snooker Tour players, will run from February 24 to 26.

World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said: “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.

“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.

“The Shoot Out has quickly become established as one of the most thrilling events on the calendar, much loved by fans.”

Hearn later added on Twitter: “Loving the dialogue on the Shoot out becoming a ranking event. Let me stress – ALL players eligible to a snooker event equals ranking status.

“Love the moral high ground of the traditional snooker fans. Come on let’s be a bit crazy sometimes it’s not the end of the world!”