Next week, snooker returns to Thailand but only in the form of a shortened version of the game.
Six-red snooker is becoming popular in Asia. As the name suggests, it used six reds instead of 15 with 75 the highest break available.
The idea is to speed the game up and make it more attractive to those who prefer pool.
What do we all think of this?
I suppose I'm a traditionalist in these things. I much prefer Test cricket to 20/20, for instance.
However, there's nothing wrong with trying something new. Let's not forget that snooker itself was derived from various cue sports.
The six-red version may introduce new fans to the sport, who will then move on to the proper full length game.
Among the top players involved at the Sangsom Invitational in Bangkok next week are Mark Selby, Peter Ebdon, Ken Doherty, Joe Swail, James Wattana and Jimmy White. The winner will pocket £7,500.
6 comments:
IMO, this idea is without merit
Looking at the cuefactor tables one can see that the top boys score quite a number of 50+ breaks. Meaning that with only 6 reds on the table winning in one visit will happen more often than not. So not much safety play or tactical battles on show.It may speed up the game and appeal to an impatient audience but it's deprieving the game of its tactical aspect, one on the most enthralling and skillfull ones. And that's a real shame.
I will be interested to see if the tactical players come to the fore due to a lack of big breaks. Put a couple of reds on the cushions and you have a tactical frame. This could go against the aggressive breakmakers.
JohnH
I've monitored and watched a few 6-reds events over the past year
from the SEA Games, to the european EBSA qualifying event for the Sangsom 6-reds in Thailand.
and we had a go at playing it last week in Pontin's for a bit of fun
It is new and exciting. It doesn't only appeal to "pool" players but is ideal for television.
I too am a fan of the five day test match, but I can derive equal, if different, enjoyment from an afternoon of quick fire 20-20 and I think the same applies to this.
I've yet to personally witness anyone making the 75 max and from the evidence I saw at the EBSA qualifier it's harder than people would think.
So I'd advise everyone to keep an open mind. treat it as a new discipline in its own right rather than compare it to what you've seen before.
And remember that in thailand we're going to see a mixture of leading pros and amateurs, so a mixture of playing standards too.
Excellent comparison with 20/20 cricket, which initially had the whole cricket world excited, but is now seen by purists to be ruining the ir beautiful game.
I doubt this new formm of snooker will ever be as popular, or take off in the way 20/20 has, but you never know.
Lets hope not!
Just had a look on the Asian snooker site. There have been two maximums(75)already. Selby and Dunn.
NICK B
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