Created by Rod Gunner and fully endorsed by World Snooker chief Barry Hearn, 'Power Snooker' is seen as a chance to make the sport more exciting to a younger audience. - File Photo

O'Sullivan has been responsible for some of the best snooker played in the sport's elite tournament over the last decade and his flamboyant style has been a hit with crowds at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.

But the 34-year-old believes snooker has gone stale since he won his first world title in 2001 and he is backing the launch of an action-packed version of the game aimed at revolutionising the sport.

Created by Rod Gunner and fully endorsed by World Snooker chief Barry Hearn, 'Power Snooker' is seen as a chance to make the sport more exciting to a younger audience.

Power Snooker is a radical departure from the orthodox game, with matches lasting just half-an-hour and where points count instead of frames won.

And O'Sullivan is excited by the plan to have the world's top players go head-to-head at London's O2 Arena in October.

“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.

“Anything new is a challenge. I definitely think this is the future of snooker. It is just that a few people have got to get their heads around it. It is the year 2010 and we are not stuck in the 1970s anymore.

“Snooker needs a new audience and the idea of a game coming to an end in 30 minutes is exciting.

“I can understand that people still like their long endurance games, but for me the excitement of playing a game that keeps you on your toes, keeps you on your edge, is something I am really looking forward to.

“It is going to change snooker. The crowd will love it and the public will enjoy it. I cannot find a flaw in it. You just want some excitement in your life and this brings excitement.”

Cricket has already benefited from the introduction of the Twenty20 version of the game and Hearn, who has already turned darts into a major TV sport, is now looking to do the same for snooker.

O'Sullivan has confirmed his participation and invitations have gone out to Neil Robertson, China's Ding Junhui, Mark Selby, Ali Carter, Shaun Murphy and Jimmy White.

Hearn added “We are 100 per cent behind Power Snooker. In this new time for World Snooker, it is important for us to embrace new formats and new ideas.

“World Snooker welcomes the Power Snooker event which we hope will bring new audiences and new fans to the sport.” - AFP