I've been thinking about this. Tradition aside, why do they insist on holding the WCs over the fewest days possible? Why not spread it over 21 days, maybe even a few more, instead?
I think it would have benefits for everyone:
- Players could get a rest day between the later rounds (say) and/or they could potentially avoid the whole scheduling consecutive sessions thing for an unlucky few
- The audience have a lower risk of seeing sessions heavily impacted by fatigue, especially towards the end of the tournament, and also get a bit of respite themselves - I effing _love_ the snooker but I also have a full time job and two kids to fit it around
- Sheffield wins because they can extend their festival of snooker and the feel-goodness it creates, and if they do it right they could capitalise a little more on the wee investment they're putting into the Crucible
- The "fringe" tours could utilise the off-days. Why not play the women's and disability WC at the Crucible, perhaps the semis with the two table setup and the final with the single table? Further benefit for the audience if they can now see a WC final at a better price point and ticket availability
- Gives Dennis a chance to renew his DEI training mid-tournament and figure out which of the players' wives are especially lovely this year
- Means Parrott can talk about something - anything - else for a bit
- Bit of time for Hendry to replenish his rage reserves over a couple of Cubans
- BBC have guaranteed air time for their prized and cherished sheep documentaries, without having to "accidentally" pull various plugs out of sockets
I know there would be specifics to figure out, e.g. I assume they would want every weekend day to have the very best action, but what do you all think?