NEIL ROBERTSON believes elite players will appreciate his comments regarding the size of pockets on the World Snooker Tour.
In recent months, there have been multiple complaints about the playing conditions in ranking tournaments.
This season has seen a record number of 147 breaks and 11 different winners across the 11 events held since July.
The top cueists prefer tighter pockets, which reduce the chances of flukes by opponents and reward players for their accuracy and precision.
At 43, he holds significant influence in the sport, having joined the Players Board of the WPBSA last summer.
The 2010 world champion from Australia believes that raising this issue in meetings has finally led to changes, especially in this week’s prestigious Triple Crown event.
After a commanding 6-1 victory over China’s Wu Yize in the second round, Robertson stated: “I feel that over the last decade, there have been many more events with significantly larger pockets.
“You have a group of players who excel even on those pockets and another group that struggles to perform well on them.
“So far, I’ve observed numerous misses that I used to see in my first ten years as a professional that now seem to be going in.
“It’s a shock for many of the new players who haven't experienced how tables used to be set up.
“For too long, players have been inaccurate along the rails, yet balls have still been falling into the pockets.
“There are several top players I've spoken with this week who are relieved, stating, ‘thank goodness, it rewards accuracy’.
“There have been too many matches where players make three or four centuries, and you wonder: ‘Did they truly reach that level of quality?’
“It’s keeping everyone accountable. Many professionals at home will be thinking, thanks Neil for speaking out.
“This has been a concern in the game that players have discussed, especially in China, where inflated results are becoming common.
“It’s akin to someone going out and shooting 14 under par in a round because the course is simply too easy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Neil Robertson think tighter pockets are necessary?
He believes tighter pockets reduce flukes and reward players for their accuracy and precision, leading to a higher quality of play.
What changes does Robertson hope to see in the World Snooker Tour?
Robertson hopes to see a return to traditional playing conditions with tighter pockets that challenge players and enhance the overall quality of matches.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
