The State of Snooker - An Investigation

[thetalkofsport]

I'm in the process of carrying out an investigation into the state of professional snooker. This, you might argue, is something that has already been done time and time again by the British media - yet I would also argue that there are still too many unanswered questions and the problems are still not being solved.

Well, this is an investigation with a twist - because I want you, the snooker public, to ask the questions and provide a forum for debate.

About The Website

My website - www.thetalkofsport.com (http://www.thetalkofsport.com) - was launched recently with the aim of providing an exclusive insight into the world of sport. At the moment, we do this by putting together regular blogs with a number of different young sportspeople and athletes - looking at what it is to be a modern-day athlete, the struggles they face on a daily basis and the current issues facing their sport. The website has already attracted a great deal of interest and continues to grow at a steady pace; in the process I hope it will be able to raise awareness around different sports and athletes, and give those athletes an opportunity to connect with their fans. Young German tennis player Tatjana Malek, ranked 66 in the world, has already contributed a couple of entries, as has Australian cricketer Moises Henriques.

This Investigation

This is something we've never done before. The aim of our investigation is to get the inside track from the professional players themselves; rather than have some journalist doing endless research in an attempt to reach their own conclusions, I want the opinions that matter - including that of current World Champion John Higgins.

You Ask The Questions

This is where you come in. I want you to send in questions for John to answer - whether it is about the Snooker Players Association, the standard of players or the number ranking of tournaments on the circuit - so we can hopefully provide a compelling read. You can set the agenda.

If you would like to ask a question - send an email to info@thetalkofsport.com - and I will try to get it answered. If you wish, you can also provide your name and location if you want to get a mention (eg. John Smith, London) or alternatively you can remain anonymous.

Thanks for reading and I hope you have plenty to ask!

www.thetalkofsport.com (http://www.thetalkofsport.com)

[wildJONESEYE]

main question id like a answer to from John is why was he against the Altium deal because things has gone from bad to worst since that decision ?

[thetalkofsport]

And, I probably should've mentioned... you can ask any questions by replying to this post too!

[Templeton Peck]

I think we know why John Higgins was against Altium - he had fallen out with Ian Doyle at the time. He made a terrible mistake but it wasn't one he made alone and in my opinion John Higgins has more than made up for it since.

[Cossie]

I would like to know why there seems to be such a gulf between the amateur organisation (EASB) and the professional game (World Snooker) they don`t seem to support each other and act independently instead of jointly in the interests of the game.

[RocketRoy1983]

Can you ask him to REALLY say what all the players REALLY think about Clive Everton because im sick and tired of people saying what a nice guy he is when I know what his like.

Thank you.

[Forman]

Can you ask him to REALLY say what all the players REALLY think about Clive Everton because im sick and tired of people saying what a nice guy he is when I know what his like.

Thank you.

Thats a bit harsh roy, other than being a bit bitter about the way world snooker has mismanaged the game what has he done to make you dislike him so much?

[RocketRoy1983]

Met him several times in the players lounge and I know what many players opinions of him are. Anyways ive said my piece lets see if the questions answered.

[Monique]

Roy, it would be naive not to acknowledge that Clive obviously has his own agenda. Definitely, he has. I like him very much as a commentator, I have more reservations regarding the person. However it would be very surprising if ALL players had the same views on the man. Certainly some will not like him: he can be mercyless in his assesments ;) Most probably will have mixed feelings ... agreeing with some of his views, disagreeing with others.

[thetalkofsport]

Thanks to those have you that have replied already. A couple of people have emailed in questions which is great.

It would be superb if anyone else who has a question to ask or a subject to talk about gets in touch or replies to this thread - I'd love your input!

[moondan]

I think we know why John Higgins was against Altium - he had fallen out with Ian Doyle at the time. He made a terrible mistake but it wasn't one he made alone and in my opinion John Higgins has more than made up for it since.

Higgins didnt only fall out with Doyle, he fell out with Hendry as well and its never been mended.
I dont think he has made up for it in the least and when you look at the roads into management and promoting he has taken in recent years its obvious why.
Higgins undoubtedly sees himself as the guy with the big cigar.

[MED]

thing is no matter who joined the doyle stable then or now Stephen Hendry was the guy the whole thing was built around and he was no 1 then and still is today.

John Higgins saw that then and it ****ed him off to put it bluntly. no matter what John did he was always going to be second fiddle to Hendry.

[superaussie]

thing is no matter who joined the doyle stable then or now Stephen Hendry was the guy the whole thing was built around and he was no 1 then and still is today.

John Higgins saw that then and it ****ed him off to put it bluntly. no matter what John did he was always going to be second fiddle to Hendry.

so basically higgins put his jealousy of hendry ahead of looking after the good of snooker :rolleyes:

[MED]

so basically higgins put his jealousy of hendry ahead of looking after the good of snooker :rolleyes:

that's a basic way of looking at it but that's why he left Doyle which was fair enough his choice but he let that clouded his decision and it got personal for him when Altium got involved with doyle.

i think had Higgins sided with Hendry and Williams, Ronnie would have followed and then for good or bad the Altium deal would have happened.

[Forman]

thing is no matter who joined the doyle stable then or now Stephen Hendry was the guy the whole thing was built around and he was no 1 then and still is today.

John Higgins saw that then and it ****ed him off to put it bluntly. no matter what John did he was always going to be second fiddle to Hendry.

Ronnie mentions pretty much the same thing in his book, hendry was the obvious favourite and no matter what they did everyone else came second.