Why?
Minus playing football this morning and in my local snooker league this afternoon, I don't actually fully know what I think of Power Snooker yet.
Don't get me wrong, I had a great day at the event but I'm not sure if that was because of the snooker. I think it was more to do with enjoying a few beers, having some great banter with my mate and visiting the O2 for the first time.As for the snooker, I'd use the word 'bizarre' to describe it all.
It definitely was a good laugh and I was moderately entertained. I didn't have much trouble following the scoring, there were some very close matches, but it didn't feel like a revolution.
It just seemed like a watered down version of the sport I love.
The crowd were aggravating and insistent on hurling abuse at the players. What happened to snooker being a gentleman's sport? When one 'fan' shouted: "come on Murphy you fat c***," to say I wasn't impressed, was an understatement. It was clear from this as well as other numerous outbursts that the crowd were were not your usual snooker crew.
To then over hear a group of lads next to us, trying to work out which players were former world champions proved that. But then again, I don't think introducing new fans to the game is a bad thing even if they do lack a certain level of knowledge.
This sounds like a bit of a whine, when in fact there was some great snooker played throughout the day.
Predictably Ronnie won the competition. He proved he's a clever man, winning £35,000 for 90 minutes work by designing a game that suits his own style of play, and convincing others it's the future of the game.
I also enjoyed watching Luca Brecel, there was some terrific banter on the table between Ali Carter and Mark Selby, and the Shaun Murphy Neil Robertson match went right to the wire.The players seemed to be enjoying themselves and it was great to see the sport jazzed up with some music, a light-hearted approach and an injection of humour.
But when people talk about Power Snooker as a revolution, I have to disagree. It was good fun, a nice day out and I actually think we'll see the tournament again next year.
But it won't catch on and rival the real game. And if it's on TV next year, I'll probably tune in but won't go out of my way to get a ticket.
Well there you have it, my honest verdict. In conclusion, I've probably sat on the fence. What a wimp.
I like ur article and agree largely with ur opinion on the vociferous crowd which i thawt spoiled the whole occasion a great deal, but was positively encouraged when barry 'earn came out with 'there were no rules' as far as audience participation was concerned. And the fact they had the bars open the entire day of a light-hearted and entertaining new event it was little wonder maybe it transpired into a football style crowd atmosphere. No harm in that but everything in its place surely and it will be harder not easier to control people when it matters, eg at the Crucible etc if that kinda behaviour and pandemonium is allowed to go unchecked. i was mesmerised the 1st match as I watched and learned but agree by the time the day was up the concept was slitley less over whelming than first thought. i hope its repeated but once a year only please, its important for the game of snooker to be seen to have more than 1 string to its bow and the idea of copying what 20-20 did for the sport of cricket was a good one, however i wudnt want the world and UK Championships to become diluted and reduced in size to appease the rowdies' desire to see a quick result. The world open was best of 5, now this, am glad we're movin back to the longer format of the UK's next. I preferred when its final was over two days as well like the 'Embassy'. Well said tho.
ReplyDeletePhil in Belfast.