Dott slams British Open as nothing more than a lottery
Scot Graeme Dott last night slammed organisers after they “ruined” this week’s British Open with the format.
The event returns to the calendar for the first time in 17 years at Leicester’s Morningside Arena.
But the first round will be played over just five frames.
And former world champion Dott fumed: “They’ve ruined an event with prestigious history playing over five frames.
“I don’t understand why they’ve made it five frames. What’s the point?
“It’s not proper snooker. It’s a lottery.
“The Home Nations events are best of sevens and that’s bad enough.
“So why can’t the British Open be at least seven. It should be nine really.
“I get they want to make the venue nice with four tables, but if they want to do that then play a qualifier.
“It’s rubbish really. The best player doesn’t always win and you have no clue how good your form is.”
Six-time world champion Ronnie O’sullivan withdrew after the frame format was announced.
And world No. 18 Dott, who is chasing a coveted top-16 berth, said: “I totally understand why Ronnie decided to pull out.
“If I had as much money or ranking as Ronnie then I’d probably pull out.
“But you’re forced to play in these events even if you don’t want to for the ranking points.”
Dott locks horns with Pinner potter Martin Gould in the first round on Wednesday.
Scottish legend Stephen Hendry will play in front of the fans for the first time since his remarkable return to the circuit last season – nine years after he initially hung up his cue.
Wishaw Wizard John Higgins
was the last winner and is once again among the favourites for the £100,000 top prize.
Perth cue man Scott Donaldson and tour rookie Dean Young clash in an alltartan tussle.
Stephen Maguire, Anthony Mcgill, Fraser Patrick and Ross Muir are the other Scots in action.