Several top snooker players, such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby, have shared their views on a rule they believe needs changing in the sport. During an interview with TNT Sports, these elite professionals were asked about the one modification they would like to see in snooker regulations, with a particular rule being consistently highlighted.
Renowned seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, along with other players, has advocated for a review of the contentious ‘miss’ rule, which has been a point of contention among top players. The current rule dictates that if a player fails to make contact with the designated ball during their shot and the attempt is deemed inadequate, the referee can declare a foul and a miss.
A ‘miss’ is typically called when the referee perceives that a player deliberately chose a more difficult shot over an easier one to escape a snooker. It can also be enforced if a player fails to make contact due to what is perceived as a lack of effort.
When a ‘foul and a miss’ is declared, the player at fault’s opponent can choose to either reset the balls and allow a retake or leave the balls as they are on the table. Continual ‘foul and miss’ calls could result in the player repeatedly attempting the same shot while their opponent amasses points without making a move.
In contrast, the ‘three-miss rule’ stipulates that a player who fails to hit the correct ball three times consecutively automatically forfeits the frame to their opponent. This regulation has been a subject of debate within the sport, with critics pointing out its potential for inconsistent enforcement, game delays, and confusion for casual viewers.
When asked about potential changes to the game, O’Sullivan promptly singled out the miss rule, emphasizing a limit of three misses. Wilson echoed this sentiment, stating his agreement with revising the miss rule to restrict players to no more than three misses.
Selby also weighed in on the issue, proposing a limitation where players can only miss three times before facing consequences. He highlighted situations where players could secure wins due to opponents missing shots multiple times, potentially turning the game in their favor.
Former world champion Murphy took a different approach, criticizing how the miss rule could be exploited to allow deliberate fouls. He emphasized the need to address the foul and a miss rule to prevent players from taking advantage of the system.
Current world number three Neil Robertson suggested a potential alteration by suggesting that failing to make contact with a visible red ball should result in a free ball for the opponent, a change he believes would significantly hasten gameplay.
Apart from the discussions around amending the miss rule, top snooker players also scrutinized the sport’s traditional dress code. The requirement for players to wear long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal footwear has faced criticism, with many advocating for a relaxation of these stringent requirements.
When questioned about potential changes, Mark Allen emphasized the need to relax the dress code, while Luca Brecel highlighted the dress code, shot clock, and touching a cushion as the top three aspects that could be improved in the game.
