The 2023 Snooker Shoot Out is one of the top professional snooker tournaments we are yet to see this year. It is said to be the most fast-paced and frantic event on the snooker calendar, and is set to return this week.

This competition is set to occur from December 6th to 9th, 2023 at the Swansea Arena in Swansea, South Wales. This event will feature a unique format where each match is played over a single frame.

It holds the distinction of being the ninth ranking event of the 2023–24 snooker season and the fifth of eight events in the 2024 European Series.

During the Shoot Out, each match is limited to a maximum of 10 minutes, with a shot clock of 15 seconds for the initial five minutes and 10 seconds for the subsequent five minutes.

The upcoming 2023 Shoot Out promises an electrifying atmosphere with active crowd participation and guaranteed excitement over four thrilling days. 

Chris Wakelin, the reigning champion, will kick off the event by facing Pang Junxu in the opening match.

The tournament commences on Wednesday, December 6 and concludes on Saturday, December 9, marking its debut at the Swansea Arena.

With a 128-player field, Wakelin will defend his title against formidable opponents such as Mark Williams, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, Kyren Wilson, Ali Carter, Hossein Vafaei, Stuart Bingham, Jimmy White, and Ken Doherty.

Additionally, women’s players Reanne Evans, Rebecca Kenna, and Mink Nutcharut are set to compete, adding to the tournament’s diversity and excitement.

The 2023 Shoot Out will lack the presence of two titans, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump, adding a dramatic twist to the event.

O’Sullivan, basking in the glory of his eighth UK Championship triumph, has opted for a well-deserved break, while Trump, hailed as the standout player of the season, will be notably absent from the competition in Swansea.

Furthermore, the absence of world champion Luca Brecel further intensifies the intrigue surrounding the tournament.

The initial round of matches is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, while the second round will unfold on Friday. The remainder of the tournament, culminating in the final, will take place on Saturday. Each day, play will commence at 13:00 UK time. The specific schedule is as follows:

– Wednesday, December 6: First round

– Thursday, December 7: First round

– Friday, December 8: Second round

– Saturday, December 9: Third round, fourth round, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final.

Collins Nwokolo