Is Barry Hearn Right to Dismiss Snooker Players' Scheduling Complaints?

Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, acknowledges player concerns about the snooker calendar but does not foresee significant changes. World number three Neil Robertson has advocated for a more geographically organised schedule, particularly for Asian events, citing issues with travel and jetlag. Hearn, however, insists that the demands of television companies and promoters shape the tournament schedule, reflecting a balance between player convenience and commercial viability.

Last updated: 14 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Neil Robertson voices concerns about snooker’s global calendar and travel burdens.
• Barry Hearn argues that tournament scheduling is primarily influenced by television companies.
• Players have the option to skip events, which can affect their career trajectories.
• Prize money in snooker has significantly increased due to commercial focus.
• Future tournaments may lead to more travel but also higher rewards for players.

The Current Landscape of the Snooker Calendar

As snooker continues to flourish globally, the scheduling of tournaments has become a contentious issue. Players like Neil Robertson are vocal about the need for a better-structured calendar that minimises the exhausting travel demands placed upon them. With events scattered across different continents, players often find themselves dealing with jet lag and inflated travel costs.

Neil Robertson's Perspective

Robertson, a prominent player and member of the WPBSA Players board, has been advocating for a calendar that groups events geographically. He argues that this approach could reduce unnecessary travel and associated costs. “I don’t want us bouncing all over the world,” Robertson explains. The current setup, which requires players to travel back and forth between continents, is not only taxing but also financially burdensome.

Barry Hearn's Stance

Despite Robertson’s concerns, Barry Hearn maintains that the structure of the calendar is largely dictated by external factors, particularly the preferences of television broadcasters. He mentions that organisers in countries like China do not favour back-to-back events due to their own commercial objectives. Hearn’s sarcastic suggestion to cancel tournaments and simply distribute prize money underscores the complexities involved in tournament scheduling.

The Role of Television and Commercial Interests

Television companies play a critical role in shaping the snooker calendar. Hearn emphasises that the demands of broadcasters often take precedence over player convenience. “The customer is always right,” he states, illustrating the tension between commercial interests and players’ needs. This commercial focus has proven beneficial for the sport’s financial health, significantly increasing prize money over the years.

Prize Money Growth in Snooker

One of the most notable developments in snooker has been the dramatic increase in prize money. Hearn recalls a time when the total prize pool was merely £3.5 million, a figure that has since escalated to around £20 million. This growth is a direct result of strategic commercial decisions aimed at maximising revenue from tournaments and sponsorships.

The Travel Dilemma

As snooker expands globally, travel remains a necessary component. While many players are based in the UK, Hearn acknowledges that the sport needs to address its UK-centric bias to foster international growth. This means that players will inevitably face more travel, which can be a double-edged sword. Increased travel can lead to more opportunities and higher winnings, but it also brings challenges such as fatigue and logistical issues.

Player Autonomy in Scheduling

Players are not obligated to participate in every tournament, which allows them to make decisions that align with their personal and professional lives. Hearn notes that younger players often seek to compete in as many events as possible, while those with more experience may adopt a more selective approach. This dynamic highlights the diversity of needs among players at different stages of their careers.

The Future of Snooker Tournaments

Looking ahead, the potential introduction of tournaments in new locations, such as Qatar, could further complicate the travel landscape. However, these events promise increased prize money, which is a significant draw for players. Hearn underscores that the primary goal of the decision-makers in snooker is to ensure financial viability, which ultimately benefits players through larger payouts.

Responding to Player Feedback

While Hearn acknowledges the importance of player feedback, he stresses that the sport must prioritise commercial demands to sustain its growth. He believes that listening exclusively to player desires could jeopardise the financial stability that has been achieved. The challenge lies in balancing these competing interests to create a sustainable future for snooker.

The Impact of Globalisation on Snooker

As snooker embraces a more globalised approach, the implications for players and the sport itself are profound. Hearn notes that while the UK-centric model has its advantages, expanding into new markets is essential for the growth of the sport. This transition requires a careful reassessment of how tournaments are scheduled and promoted.

Conclusion: Finding Common Ground

The discussion around the snooker calendar illustrates the complexities involved in balancing player needs with commercial realities. As the sport continues to evolve, finding common ground will be crucial. The challenge remains for decision-makers to accommodate player concerns while adhering to the demands of a global market. The future of snooker may depend on this delicate equilibrium.

FAQs

Why do players want a more geographically organised snooker calendar?

Players seek a more geographically organised calendar to minimise travel, reduce jet lag, and lower travel costs, making participation in events more feasible and less exhausting.

How has prize money in snooker changed over the years?

Prize money in snooker has grown significantly, increasing from £3.5 million to around £20 million, largely due to strategic commercial decisions and the demands of television companies.

What role do television companies play in snooker tournament scheduling?

Television companies have a significant influence on tournament scheduling as their preferences dictate when and where events are held, often prioritising their commercial interests over player convenience.

Can players choose not to participate in every tournament?

Yes, players have the autonomy to decide which tournaments to enter, allowing them to tailor their schedules according to personal and professional considerations.

What is the impact of globalisation on snooker?

Globalisation has led to an expansion of the sport into new markets, necessitating a reevaluation of tournament scheduling and promoting a balance between player needs and commercial objectives.