Several prominent snooker players, such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby, have shared their thoughts on a rule they believe should be altered in the sport. During an interview with TNT Sports, top professionals in the game were asked about their desired change to snooker rules, with a particular regulation consistently highlighted.
Renowned seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, alongside other players, has advocated for a review of the contentious ‘miss’ rule, which appears to be a major concern for elite players. Currently, if a player fails to make contact with the designated ball during their shot, the referee may penalize them with a foul and a miss.
A miss is typically called when the referee perceives that the player deliberately chose a more difficult shot instead of a simpler one to escape a snooker situation. It can also be enforced if a player underhits a shot, indicating a lack of effort.
When a ‘foul and a miss’ is declared, the opponent of the erring player can choose to either reset the balls for a retake or leave the table as is. If the referee repeatedly calls a ‘foul and a miss’, the player may find themselves stuck in a cycle of attempting the same shot repeatedly while their opponent gains points without playing a shot.
Moreover, the ‘three-miss rule’ dictates that a player who fails to hit the correct ball three times consecutively automatically concedes the frame to their opponent. This rule is a subject of debate in the sport, with critics arguing about its inconsistent application, potential to prolong games, and confusion for casual viewers.
When asked about potential changes to the game, O’Sullivan promptly pinpointed the miss rule, supported by Wilson who suggested limiting misses to three attempts. Selby also chimed in, proposing a restriction where missing three times results in a forfeit. Murphy, on the other hand, criticized how the miss rule could be exploited to play deliberate fouls.
Adding to the discussion, current world number three Neil Robertson proposed a reform where failing to make contact with a directly visible red ball results in the opponent receiving a free ball, aiming to accelerate the pace of the game.
Beyond alterations to the miss rule, top snooker players have also raised concerns about the traditional dress code in the sport. The mandatory attire of long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal shoes has faced scrutiny, with many players advocating for a more relaxed approach to attire regulations.
Reflecting on the same topic, player Mark Allen emphasized the need to relax the dress code, a sentiment echoed by Luca Brecel who highlighted dress code, shot clock, and hitting a cushion as key areas for potential modifications.
