Snooker heading to Oz
It hasn't been the year's best kept secret, but snooker will make it's way to Australia in 2011, as the season's opening ranking event.
It's an interesting move for the game.
First of all, in terms of potential markets for the game, Australia would not be the most obvious. The nation only has one player seriously contending for honours, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Also, Australia is one of the most sport loving nations on earth. Snooker has got to compete with Swimming, Cricket, both forms of Rugby, Aussie Rules, Motorsport & Golf. In short, Australia appears to be a nation that's almost saturated in terms of sport.
However, I can only be delighted that the game is extending it's horizons. I've no doubt Neil Robertson's successes contributed to this move more than anything else, and at least we are heading to a nation that loves it's sport: Bahrain Mark Two is highly unlikely, Hearn will surely have his homework done on this one.
It's something new. To follow all the action, getting up very early/staying up late will have to be taken into account, with sessions likely to take place at around three in the morning, though the later sessions will be a little more viewer friendly and at least offer the chance to watch before work. I can't see myself staying up through the night to watch snooker every night, but once or twice won't be beyond the realms of possibility. It may even turn out to be the first time I stumble in from a night out and throw on some snooker
Naturally, I hope the event is a massive success, and I hope it's an indicator of snooker growing global appeal. I do question the logistics, it looks like it's going to kick off the day after the World Cup concludes in Thailand, but hopefully all goes well.
It's an interesting move for the game.
First of all, in terms of potential markets for the game, Australia would not be the most obvious. The nation only has one player seriously contending for honours, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. Also, Australia is one of the most sport loving nations on earth. Snooker has got to compete with Swimming, Cricket, both forms of Rugby, Aussie Rules, Motorsport & Golf. In short, Australia appears to be a nation that's almost saturated in terms of sport.
However, I can only be delighted that the game is extending it's horizons. I've no doubt Neil Robertson's successes contributed to this move more than anything else, and at least we are heading to a nation that loves it's sport: Bahrain Mark Two is highly unlikely, Hearn will surely have his homework done on this one.
It's something new. To follow all the action, getting up very early/staying up late will have to be taken into account, with sessions likely to take place at around three in the morning, though the later sessions will be a little more viewer friendly and at least offer the chance to watch before work. I can't see myself staying up through the night to watch snooker every night, but once or twice won't be beyond the realms of possibility. It may even turn out to be the first time I stumble in from a night out and throw on some snooker
Naturally, I hope the event is a massive success, and I hope it's an indicator of snooker growing global appeal. I do question the logistics, it looks like it's going to kick off the day after the World Cup concludes in Thailand, but hopefully all goes well.
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Tubberlad - Posts: 5009
- Joined: 02 October 2009
- Location: Ireland
- Snooker Idol: Ronnie OSullivan
- Highest Break: 49