I’m wishing all of you, and those dear to you, the best for 2024. May this year bring you all happiness, peace of mind, success in your endeavours, and fulfilment.
Snooker Scene is also wished a happy birthday.
It was all begun on January 1, 1971, by Clive Everton. We nearly lost it last year. However, the magazine continues to exist and is celebrating its 52nd birthday today because to Nick Metcalfe!
And lastly, my “wish list” for snooker in 2024
a speedy and equitable conclusion to the match-fixing scandals that are now damaging sports. Stronger preventative measures should be implemented in order to prevent a recurrence of this issue in the future. Of course, punishing the guilty is crucial. On this point, perhaps WPBSA and the academies should collaborate more closely? Perhaps a particular “help group” or “help line” with members who speak Thai and Chinese? Gamers must feel secure enough to report any problems they come across.
More events held in a tiered format, as long as the qualifying rounds take place just before, at, or near the main event site.
No qualifying for events held with a “flat draw.” Everyone present at the primary location. Make sure there are enough working tables and enough practice tables.
Could WPBSA collaborate with other snooker-related organizations at all levels—yes, including the IBSF—to examine the viability of a ranking system that would be open to both pros and amateurs and maybe based on ELO? Yes, I am aware that I am dreaming, but Lewis has repeatedly said that doing so would enable the organization of events for particular player groups without “distorting” the rating system. In many ways, the existing ranking system is excessively strict.
