With over a month's break between the Australian Open and the pre-qualifiers for the Riga Open, some may be wondering if World Snooker should reorganise their calendar to stop long breaks between each tournament. I will take a look at all the positives and negatives that can be taken from this lengthy break in the eyes of fans, journalists and players.
Snooker may not have the popularity levels of such sports like football or Formula 1, but for those with a passion for it; it can become a big part of their lives. Now, with over one month between tournaments, especially so early on in a season, it is unfair on fans to have to wait so long before they get to see another match. Is this really the right thing that World Snooker should be doing? Anyone with a bit of sense would be saying absolutely not. But what would the players be thinking about this?
In more recent times, players have said that there is far too much travelling involved in flying to tournaments around the world. But any neutral would say; you're travelling around the world playing the sport you love and getting paid for it, so why are you moaning? It could be the simple fact that there is so much travelling involved in snooker, that some players just cannot take the time to be away from family and friends. Take Ronnie O'Sullivan for example. A man of his pedigree will not take part in a tournament this season until the Shanghai Masters which begins on the 8th of September because he does not want to be away from his son Ronnie Jr. for long periods of time. Another reason would be just because of the sheer travelling involved in going to tournaments.
When there is not a ridiculous one month wait between events, there are some tournaments dated quite close to one another. An example of this would be, the Shanghai Masters which last for seven days, and just two days after are the Indian Open qualifiers which will be staged at the Barnsley Metrodome. It does not give players a long time to adjust to the different playing style once again of being in a new arena to the one they have just played in, possible jet-lag and such things as the atmosphere may even hinder how a player can perform. Maybe the season could be extended longer by several weeks with a later starting date with longer times for players to rest and prepare in between events? It's an idea.
But what does this do for the fans of snooker? They will want to see players on their TV's as much as possible. It is hard for any governing body to please everyone from their respective sports, so trying to please fans and television audiences along with players is never an easy task for World Snooker.
As a fan myself, I want to see as much snooker as possible with obvious respect for the players because without them, there would be no such thing as snooker...obviously.
I don't think such a massive break right at the beginning of the season will be of much benefit to the players. It could have maybe happened after the UK Championship to give the players the well needed rest after the first half of the season, and prepare them for part two. All players who will be taking part in the Riga Open will be as fresh as a daisy, but I raise the point once again, is it really necessary to have such a lengthy break so early on in the season?
With three events down and three different winners, it may give time for those three men (Ding Junhui, Neil Robertson and Judd Trump) time to get their heads down on winning more events. With Robertson also regaining the number one spot back from Mark Selby after his Wuxi Classic victory, it is also a chance for him to prepare mentally for tournaments to try and hold the number one spot. For those who have not been able to pick up a tournament win in the first three events, maybe it could be critical time to practice and make sure that they are on top of their game for the Riga Open in Latvia.
Is there the possibility that World Snooker could restructure their calender for the next season to make sure that there are no unnecessary month long breaks, players are not having to constantly travel which will wear them out and also make sure that snooker is always somewhere in the eyes of the fans? I think it might be too much to ask for.
It may be something that could be looked into over the next few seasons, but for the immediate future, the players are simply going to have to stick the current calender, whether they like it or not.
Sean.
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