Several top snooker players, such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby, have shared their thoughts on a rule change they believe is necessary in the sport. During an interview with TNT Sports, these leading professionals were asked about a modification they would like to see in snooker rules, and one particular regulation was consistently highlighted.
Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, alongside 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 penalizes a player with a foul and a miss if they fail to make contact with the designated ball, leading to a perceived lack of effort or strategy.
A ‘foul and a miss’ is typically called when the referee deems that the player chose a more difficult shot over an easier escape from a snooker or when the player fails to make contact with a ball due to underhitting. This rule can result in a frustrating cycle where the player keeps repeating the same shot while their opponent gains points without actively participating.
Moreover, the ‘three-miss rule’ dictates that if a player fails to hit the correct ball three times consecutively, they automatically forfeit the frame to their opponent. This rule has sparked debates within the sport due to concerns over its inconsistent enforcement, potential to slow down games, and confusion for casual viewers.
In response to what changes they would make to the game, O’Sullivan and Wilson expressed a desire to amend the miss rule, limiting the number of misses allowed. Selby proposed a specific change where a player could only miss three times before facing consequences, highlighting the impact of multiple misses on the game’s outcome.
Former world champion Murphy raised concerns about how the miss rule could be exploited, particularly in allowing deliberate fouls. He suggested revisiting the ‘foul and a miss’ rule to prevent players from taking advantage of this aspect of the game.
Furthermore, Neil Robertson, the current world number three, recommended a potential adjustment where failing to make contact with a red ball would result in a free ball for the opponent, aiming to increase the pace of the game significantly.
While revising the miss rule was a primary focus for top players, other aspects of the sport, such as the traditional dress code, also received attention. Many players believe that the strict requirements of long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal footwear should be relaxed to align with modern preferences and comfort.
When asked the same question about potential changes, Mark Allen emphasized the need to relax the dress code, echoing a sentiment shared by Luca Brecel, who also highlighted the importance of considering adjustments to the shot clock and the requirement to always hit a cushion in the game.