Several prominent snooker players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, and Mark Selby, have shared their views on a rule they believe needs revision in the sport. During an interview with TNT Sports, these top professionals were asked about a rule change they would like to see in snooker, and a specific regulation was consistently highlighted.
Renowned seven-time world champion O’Sullivan, along with other players, has advocated for a review of the contentious ‘miss’ rule, which has been a point of contention among elite players. The current rule dictates that if a player fails to make contact with the designated ball while attempting a shot, the referee can call a foul and a miss.
A ‘miss’ is typically called when the referee perceives that the player chose a more difficult shot over an easier option to escape a snooker. It can also be invoked if a player underperforms and misses a shot, indicating a lack of effort.
When a ‘foul and a miss’ is declared, the opponent of the offending player can choose to reset the balls for a retake or leave them as they lie on the table. Persistent calls of ‘foul and a miss’ can result in the player being stuck in a cycle of repeating the same shot indefinitely, while their opponent accumulates points without making a shot.
Moreover, the ‘three-miss rule’ stipulates that a player who fails to hit the correct ball three consecutive times automatically forfeits the frame to their opponent. This rule has been a subject of debate in the sport, with critics arguing its inconsistent enforcement, potential to prolong games, and confusion for casual viewers.
When asked about his desired game change, O’Sullivan promptly mentioned the ‘miss rule,’ with Wilson supporting the idea of limiting misses to three times at most.
Selby also shared his perspective, proposing a restriction where a player can only miss three times before conceding, highlighting scenarios where excessive misses can lead to an undeserved victory due to opponent errors.
Former world champion Murphy offered a differing view, criticizing how the ‘miss rule’ could be exploited by players to strategically commit fouls for an advantage.
Additionally, current world number three Neil Robertson suggested a potential reform to speed up the game by awarding a free ball to the opponent if a player fails to contact a visible red ball directly.
While adjustments to the ‘miss rule’ were a primary focus of feedback from top snooker players, other aspects such as the traditional dress code in the sport also came under scrutiny. The requirement for competitors to wear long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal footwear has faced calls for relaxation by many within the sport.
When posed with the same question as his peers, Mark Allen emphasized the need for a more relaxed dress code. Luca Brecel echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the dress code, shot clock, and the requirement to always make contact with a cushion as key areas for potential change.