October 16th 2024.
Dave Gilbert, a seasoned professional snooker player, has been in the game since 2002. With multiple semi-final runs at the World Championship and one ranking title under his belt, he has seen the sport evolve over the years. However, he believes that there are certain changes that need to be made in order to make snooker more appealing to a younger audience.
As the owner of Potters in Swadlincote, Gilbert has also witnessed the sport's popularity at the grassroots level. He points out that pool is currently more popular among youngsters than snooker. This has led him to propose some changes that he believes will make snooker more exciting and engaging for the younger generation.
One of the main changes that Gilbert suggests is to have shorter formats in every event, except for the World Championship. He believes that a best-of-11 format is ideal for any match and that there is no need to play more than that. In his opinion, snooker can become monotonous and boring, and shorter formats can help keep the audience engaged.
Gilbert also suggests keeping the same format for every match in a tournament, including the final. He believes that this will give lower-ranked players a better chance of success, especially in prestigious events like the UK Championship. He also adds that it is almost impossible for a lower-ranked player to win a best-of-9 match against a more experienced player.
Furthermore, Gilbert wants to see the miss rule scrapped and replaced with fouls resulting in ball-in-hand. He argues that the current rule encourages players to purposely miss shots in order to gain an advantage. He also believes that this rule slows down the game and takes away the reward for a well-executed snooker.
When it comes to the dress code, Gilbert has no issues with the traditional attire. However, he suggests that players should make more of an effort to look presentable and professional. He also mentions that players like Judd Trump, who often sport unconventional bow ties, should be an exception as they are able to pull off the look effortlessly.
Speaking of Trump, Gilbert believes that he has what it takes to become a world champion and even reach the number one spot in the rankings. However, he also sees potential in another young player, Si Jiahui. Despite not winning a major title yet, Jiahui has shown great promise with his technique and Gilbert predicts that he will become the first Chinese world champion in the future.
In conclusion, Gilbert's suggestions aim to make snooker more exciting and appealing to a wider audience. He believes that by implementing these changes, the sport can attract a younger demographic and continue to thrive in the future.
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