Several prominent snooker players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby, have shared their views on a rule they believe should be revised in the sport. In a conversation with TNT Sports, top professionals in the game were asked about the one rule change they would like to see in snooker, and a specific regulation was consistently highlighted.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and other players have advocated for a review of the contentious ‘miss’ rule, which has been a source of frustration for many top players. The current rule penalizes a player if they fail to make contact with the designated ball during a shot, resulting in a foul and a miss being called by the referee.
A ‘miss’ is typically called when the referee perceives that a player intentionally chose a more difficult shot over an easier one to escape a snooker, or if a player fails to make contact with a ball due to what is perceived as a lack of effort.
When a ‘foul and a miss’ is declared, the player’s opponent can choose to either reset the balls and allow the player to retake the shot or leave the balls in their current positions. Continuously calling a ‘foul and a miss’ can lead to a situation where the player is stuck repeating the same shot indefinitely, while their opponent gains points without needing to play.
On the other hand, the ‘three-miss rule’ states that if a player fails to make contact with the correct ball three times consecutively, they automatically forfeit the frame to their opponent. This rule has been a topic of debate within the sport, with critics arguing that its enforcement can be inconsistent, slow down matches, and confuse casual viewers.
When asked about potential changes to the game, O’Sullivan and Wilson both emphasized the need to address the miss rule and suggested limiting the number of misses allowed. Selby proposed a similar adjustment, advocating for a maximum of three misses before a penalty kicks in as he believes this can significantly impact match outcomes.
Former world champion Murphy expressed concerns about how the miss rule could be exploited by players to their advantage, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement. Additionally, Neil Robertson, the current world number three, offered a different perspective by suggesting a new rule where failing to make contact with a red ball results in a free ball for the opponent, aiming to increase the pace of the game.
Apart from addressing the miss rule, top snooker players also raised concerns about the traditional dress code in the sport, which mandates players to wear long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal footwear. Many players feel that these requirements should be relaxed to align with modern trends and enhance player comfort.
In response to the same query posed to his colleagues, Mark Allen emphasized the need for a more relaxed dress code in snooker. Luca Brecel echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that alongside the dress code, rules regarding the shot clock and hitting a cushion should also be reevaluated for improved gameplay.