Snooker Set Change Causes Controversy at World Championship
The World Snooker Championship, currently underway at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, has been marred by controversy over a change to the set design. Legendary commentator and former semi-finalist John Virgo has spoken out about the issue, which has already caused problems for players.
According to The Daily Mail, Virgo voiced his concerns at a change in the set for the World Snooker Championship, which has already disturbed some players. The World Championship is in Sheffield once again as the Crucible Theatre plays host to the finest talent that snooker has to offer, with the best in the world battling it out for the title. Starting at the weekend, the rest of the Round of 32 games are still to be played, with Ronnie O’Sullivan’s clash with Ali Carter among the most highly-anticipated match-ups to come.
However, despite only being a few days old, there have already been some complaints, and not with the baize or the table this time. Admittedly, the complaints have come from commentators thus far, but there have been visible issues with the new set design impeding Chris Wakelin in his clash with Neil Robertson. The English player was trying to access a red adeptly placed behind the brown after a decent snooker from his Australian opponent, when he found his access hindered by a board protruding at the edge of the table.
As reported by The Daily Mail, Virgo claimed he had seen Kyren Wilson struggle with a similar issue earlier in the competition. "Yeah, I saw this happen the other night – I don’t ever remember people having a problem with this," he said on commentary duty. His co-commentator on the mic Ken Doherty added: "I know it’s a new set, a new perimeter but…" Virgo continued: "Kyren Wilson did it the other night, it’s maybe just that ledge that’s sticking out. If it is interfering with his cueing, that’s wrong!"
The incident occurred during Wakelin’s match against Robertson, where Wakelin appeared to be hampered when taking on a red hidden behind the brown in the 16th frame. The Daily Mail reported that impressively, though, Wakelin managed to escape, and pull off a snooker of his own in the process, hiding the cue ball behind the pink. As such, Virgo was unable to hide his admiration for the shot, exclaiming, "It’s unbelievable." "He looked to be in all kinds of trouble, and that little flick on the pink… it wouldn’t have gone in off? Well, it could have gone in off the pink, but he’s got a snooker from nowhere."
The change to the set design has clearly caused frustration among players and commentators alike. As The Daily Mail noted, Virgo was not holding back in his criticism of the set change, stating that it was "wrong" to interfere with players’ cueing. The incident has raised questions about the need for a review of the set design to ensure that it does not impact the game.
The World Snooker Championship continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling matches and dramatic finishes. However, the controversy over the set design has added an unwanted layer of complexity to the tournament. As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the players and the officials to see how they address this issue.
The incident has sparked a heated debate about the importance of ensuring that the set design does not interfere with the game. As reported by The Daily Mail, Virgo’s comments have highlighted the need for a thorough review of the set design to prevent similar incidents in the future. With the tournament set to continue, it remains to be seen how the officials will address this issue and ensure a fair and enjoyable competition for all players.
The World Snooker Championship is one of the most prestigious events in the sport, and it is essential that the set design does not compromise the integrity of the game. As The Daily Mail noted, the incident has already caused problems for players, and it is crucial that the officials take swift action to address the issue.
In conclusion, the controversy over the set design at the World Snooker Championship has highlighted the need for a thorough review of the set design to prevent similar incidents in the future. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on the players and the officials to see how they address this issue and ensure a fair and enjoyable competition for all players.
Source: The Daily Mail – BBC snooker set change which is annoying players as legendary former player claims ‘That’s wrong!’
