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O'Sullivan criticises "boring" World Championship

Ronnie O'Sullivan has fallen out of love with the World Championship © Getty Images

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Ronnie O'Sullivan blasted snooker's "really boring" World Championship before throwing his weight behind a new version of the game designed to revitalise the sport.

The world No. 3 has lent his backing to Power Snooker, a series of 30 minute matches between the world's top players in London during October.

O'Sullivan has made clear that he believes the innovative format has what it takes to propel the sport into the 21st Century.

"I've got to be honest, I find the world championship really boring," he said. "I've won it three times but 17 days in Sheffield is draining. People just want to pitch up and play.

"This is the future of snooker. We are not stuck in the 1970s any more. Snooker needs a new audience the idea of a game coming to an end in 30 minutes is exciting."

Power Snooker is the brainchild of new World Snooker chief Barry Hearn, who is also spearheading a campaign to rid the sport of corruption after the storm that erupted earlier this year over John Higgins.

The 34-year-old Scot could face an eight-year ban from snooker after being suspended following frame-fixing allegations. Now Hearn has urged snooker's stars to immediately report any approaches they receive to the newly-formed anti-corruption unit.

"We need to install the fear factor among players," Hearn said. "There will be confidential phone numbers and email addresses, and if players know or hear anything illegal, they must report it. If you are approached and don't report it, you will be judged as guilty as the person making the approach."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.