Recent content by Astrolabus

“Best of“ isn’t hard to work out, it’s just the way it’s always been done. Anyone who watches snooker knows exactly what it means, I’ve never known anyone confused by it.

Yes I would agree I hope it does well. Reading my post back comes over a bit too negative. I wish them well, let’s say I hope that do something better next time.

When I read all this, it sounds more like an exhibition event. One thing it isn’t is a “world championship of cue sports” Because who really cares about teams called Europe A or Americas? There are no top snooker players, and not including 9-Ball in a supposedly “world cue sport event” is plain...

My memory of club/pub play was that “generic” pool cues were generally a bit shorter and lighter and the snooker a bit longer. (Not that I play much anymore except with family) But as already said for many people with their own cues it’s pretty much interchangeable and down to preference.

I think you need to ask how damaging these splits are and who really holds the whip hand? The WPBSA fallout with the IBSF is essentially who controls the amateur game. It has no impact at a professional level, and after an immensely successful world championship, is not something the average fan...

Quite the final session between Selby and Allen, I thought Selby had it in the bag. But Allen played with a bit more attack and won five on the spin for 16–15. Selby seemed to fall over the line, but did enough for the win at 17-15. Allen must be wondering what could have been had he had...

I have a distant memory of watching this, Jim Rempe won, it was shown on “World of Sport” and to the young me it was a legitimate world title. Playing on unfamiliar tables and conditions he did tremendously well to win. I also remember he was constantly talking and jumped on the table when he...

Looks like it’s being watched by one man and his dog, and they only turned up to shelter from the weather. There are too many versions of the 8- ball title I’m lost.

It does seem unprofessional, which is the last thing Matchroom are. My bet would be there is some behind the scenes wrangling between the WPA and Matchroom, I could imagine a fall out over rankings and who should be invited etc. Either way this is unfair on the player.

Be nice to see a Snooker US Open or invitational Masters event. I don’t see it happening as I don’t believe Snooker has much of a following in the US. I would really like to see Snooker back in Canada as they produced some fabulous players in the past, but again I think the world has moved...

Barry did save snooker from the dire slump it was in, I didn’t like everything he did (especially messing with the UK championship format), but I can’t deny he turned the game around with more prize money, more tournaments and proper professional management. He also turned the darts into a...

Always good to see a Ronnie and Judd final, both very attacking players, who like fluid frames. Obviously Ronnie did the damage in the first session, and although Judd gave it everything (including a 147) and closed the gap in the evening, in the end Ronnie was too strong on the night. I know...

Thanks, very interesting, although personally looking at the prize money for the IPA I would call it more a pro-am series. A quick glance at the prize for next years “world title“ is £15,000, and to make a living you would have to be winning nearly everything.

One question, what happened to the IPA. According to them they are the WPA official body for Blackball? Did they fall out of favour?

I just find this all more than a little crazy. In the end these "arguments" over rules are just cheap excuses for control of the game. Two "world championships" at the same time, with both sides blaming the other, what a complete farce. After reading this maybe the best thing would be the...