Several top 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 revised in the sport. During an interview with TNT Sports, these elite players were asked about the one rule change they would like to see in snooker, and one particular regulation stood out in their responses.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, along with other players, has called for a review of the contentious ‘miss’ rule, which has been a source of frustration for many professionals. The current rule penalizes a player for not making a valid strike on the designated ball, leading to a foul and a miss if the attempt is deemed insufficient.
The ‘miss’ is typically called by the referee when a player chooses a more difficult shot over an easier one to escape a snooker or when a player fails to make contact with a ball due to what is perceived as lack of effort.
Under the existing rule, when a ‘foul and a miss’ is declared, the opponent can choose to reset the balls for the player to retake the shot or leave the balls as they are. Continual ‘foul and a miss’ calls can result in the player being stuck in a loop of repeating the same shot while their opponent gains points without needing to play.
In addition, the ‘three-miss rule’ dictates that if a player fails to hit the correct ball three times consecutively, they automatically lose the frame to their opponent. This rule has been a subject of debate, with critics arguing about its inconsistent enforcement, potential to slow down games, and create confusion for casual viewers.
When asked about potential changes to the game, O’Sullivan and Wilson highlighted their desire to amend the ‘miss rule,’ suggesting a limit of no more than three misses. Selby also expressed his view on the issue, advocating for a three-strike limit to prevent frames from being won due to excessive misses.
Former world champion Murphy raised concerns about how the ‘miss’ rule could be exploited, emphasizing the need for revision to prevent players from using deliberate fouls to their advantage.
Neil Robertson, the current world number three, proposed an idea to introduce a penalty where failing to make contact with a red ball results in a free ball for the opponent, aiming to accelerate the pace of the game.
Apart from the ‘miss rule,’ discussions among top snooker players also touched upon the traditional dress code in the sport. Many players feel that the requirement for long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal footwear should be reconsidered to provide more flexibility and comfort to competitors.
When Mark Allen and Luca Brecel were asked about potential changes, they both highlighted the relaxation of the dress code as a key aspect that could enhance the overall player experience on the snooker circuit.
