How important are conditions in snooker history?
The article is a simple one.
I've noticed certain posters, in particular Moondan, use conditions to degrade the achievements of present day snooker players. What I'd like to know is, why?
This is not an attack on Moondan, I respect his opinions and he's more than entitled to use the argument. And I'll also admit that conditions nowaday are far superior to what was on offer many years ago. It got to an almost farcical stage last year, in particular during the World Championships, when centuries were being compiled for fun. Thankfully, the new Star tables have sorted things out.
However, although some use these easier conditions to degrade te achievements of certain players, in particular Ronnie O'Sullivan, I don't see why. In my opinion, these conditions levelled the playing field. I think, that had the STar tables been in effect throughout the decade, we'd have seen O'Sullivan and Higgins dominate to an even greater extent. The fact that they managed to stand out as it was is testament to their greatness.
I'm of the opinion that conditions should never degrade a player or team's achievement. Changes and improvements will happen in EVERY sport. The old Mitre rugby ball was like a brick. Golf clubs have improved dramatically. Tennis rackets used to be wooden. Playing surfaces improve, soccer pitches used to be bogs. Formula One cars get faster and faster every year.
Conditions should not determing how great anyone was. Their achievements, and the way their games stood out, should.
I've noticed certain posters, in particular Moondan, use conditions to degrade the achievements of present day snooker players. What I'd like to know is, why?
This is not an attack on Moondan, I respect his opinions and he's more than entitled to use the argument. And I'll also admit that conditions nowaday are far superior to what was on offer many years ago. It got to an almost farcical stage last year, in particular during the World Championships, when centuries were being compiled for fun. Thankfully, the new Star tables have sorted things out.
However, although some use these easier conditions to degrade te achievements of certain players, in particular Ronnie O'Sullivan, I don't see why. In my opinion, these conditions levelled the playing field. I think, that had the STar tables been in effect throughout the decade, we'd have seen O'Sullivan and Higgins dominate to an even greater extent. The fact that they managed to stand out as it was is testament to their greatness.
I'm of the opinion that conditions should never degrade a player or team's achievement. Changes and improvements will happen in EVERY sport. The old Mitre rugby ball was like a brick. Golf clubs have improved dramatically. Tennis rackets used to be wooden. Playing surfaces improve, soccer pitches used to be bogs. Formula One cars get faster and faster every year.
Conditions should not determing how great anyone was. Their achievements, and the way their games stood out, should.
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Tubberlad - Posts: 5009
- Joined: 02 October 2009
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