Iranu wrote:I think you’re making it out to be worse than it is, SF.
Firstly as Dan says, tennis and golf are more popular, so more people know about their stars than snooker’s.
For anyone new watching the sport, it’s probably not a bad thing to say “this snooker player you haven’t heard of is equivalent to this tennis star that you probably have.”
I do think there’s an element of inferiority complex like you say, but I would point out that other sports’ stars get compared to other sports all the time. Also that just because you’re not interested in tennis or golf that doesn’t mean other viewers won’t find value in the comparison.
Boxing is probably the most common, it gets referenced and compared to in other sports coverage constantly.
It does, and I find that to be slightly annoying too. Mainly because the people do it never seem to have any knowledge about boxing, so their comparisons often don't make sense.
Not every sporting event is 'like a prizefight' as people often claim.
I probably am making it out to be worse than it is. But it just really annoys me.
To be fair, I think the worst offenders are the BBC. And they're aimed more at casual fans, like you say. Ronnie brings Federer up a lot, but he's one person. And annoying though I find it, I guess he's allowed to bring up other sportsmen he admires.
As usual I'm in a minority. And the tennis comparisons are usually lost on me, because I know next to nothing about it. So it often confuses the point they are trying to make to me.
I was only really mentioning because of Iranu's joke. Should've just said 'STFU Iranu'.
I will say, the odd reference or comparison is fine. But it's like Dennis Taylor boring on about golf. I don't need it constantly.