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Seven new tournaments have been added to the snooker calendar for the 2009-10 season as part of the newly-launched Pro Challenge series.

The series, which will be open to all 96 players on the professional circuit, will fit in around the existing ranking and invitational tournaments, with the first event in Leeds on 28-30 July.

Four of the seven events in the Pro Challenge Series will use the standard 15-red format, while the other three will use the Super Sixes format, which was successfully trialled at the World Snooker Championship earlier this year.

Former Asian Open champion Dave Harold, a member of the World Snooker Players' Forum, was involved in the discussions that led to the new series.

"It's a great idea because it keeps players bubbling under and gives them vital match practice," Harold said.

"The events will be played at decent venues with decent prize money so that's an incentive for all players to take part.

"Using the six-red format for some of the events will be interesting because it's quick-fire snooker, although it's still the best players who come through."

World number 24 Michael Holt, another involved in the development of the series, agreed.

"Any chance to play more snooker is a good thing," Holt said.

"It's what all of us professionals want, to play competitive matches with the chance to earn prize money. It will help keep us sharp in between ranking events."

Pro Challenge Series dates:

Pro Challenge 1

28-30 July

Northern Snooker Centre, Leeds

Pro Challenge 2 - Super Sixes

31 August - 1 September

Pontin's, Prestatyn

Pro Challenge 3

9-11 November

Venue TBC

- 2010 -

Pro Challenge 4

4-6 January

Venue TBC

Pro Challenge 5

16-18 February

Venue TBC

Pro Challenge 6 - Super Sixes

16-17 March

Venue TBC

Pro Challenge 7 - Super Sixes

8-9 April

Venue TBC

Eurosport