Dannyboy wrote:Going back to the OP, I do agree with what Judd is saying, however it is up to the players to increase their popularity. Being wooden and boring isn't going to increase your supporter base. Get fit, not fat. Look more like Judd less like Stephen Lee. Play fast, not slow.
There is so much more money in the game now than the 1980s, players are now incredibly professional and are not going to get onto the front pages with their 'antics' which like it or not, was one of the reasons why Alex Higgins was so popular.
That said, if snooker ditched its conservative dress mantra and became slightly unruly, it would put off the Chinese who have pumped in zillions and there wouldn't be money now coming in from the Middle East; both who reflect conservative societies.
Every sport is suffering from a squeeze other than their premier event - so many trying to get airtime, but also many going down unconventional non-linear means. I'm still not convinced this is going to work in a mass way. Even darts has suffered from this from a TV aspect recently.
I also don't think every tournament looking the same helps either - unavoidable in recent times due to Covid clearly... I hope sport never goes back to the Marshall Arena for many years despite it being 10 minutes from my house. The reason why the World Snooker Championship is so popular is because of the iconic Crucible Theatre. The Masters equally at Wembley... I don't think Alexandra Palace has really regained that buzz just yet. I hate to say this, but there are too many TV events... quality not quantity. I think 15 TV events a year max would help.
Interesting that you think Chinese society is 'conservative'. What makes you think that?
Chinese fans couldn't give less of a rubbish about the dress code. Most watch the matches involving players they are expecting to play at a high standard. A few like watching the grinders, but most are attracted by the combination of flamboyance and skill.
And they will watch the best Chinese players. Similar to some Ronnie fans on here though, their player will get easily criticised for the slightest error.
Ronnie, Ding and Judd are still the biggest draws here. But Zhao, Zhou and Yan have been getting more and more attention recently.