Once again, the annual How Often Can I See Myself In The Big Screen Above The Snooker Table World Championships, at The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, are upon us; and, already, I can see that the contestants are starting to form themselves into groups; or, you could say, categories. There are, for example, the quite easily identifiable novices (bless them) who sometimes almost fall backwards in their efforts to gaze up at the screen; and, at the other end of the spectrum, there are the slightly less obvious (that's how they like it) more experienced contestants who seem to understand exactly when to make subtle, often sideways, glances at the screen; usually followed by the merest hint of a smirk if they have been successful.
The championships have been going on for years; and I'm beginning to wonder whether some form of handicapping should be introduced - if not this year, perhaps, at some time in the future. You see, rather like horse racing, those with the most money - or, at any rate, those who spend the most - seem to have a distinct advantage; and, in particular on the issue of seating. At least one contestant seems to spend the entire fortnight in the theatre; and, to achieve that, presumably has spent a king's ransom buying the best seats in the house - not to mention investing in eye-catching shirts to increase their chances of seeing themselves (and being seen by others). So, in those circumstances, what chance does the enthusiastic amateur have; even when they work in pairs - nudging each other when they're on camera?
So, come on Barry Hearn, let's make it a level playing field. After all, an enormous amount of effort is put towards providing a level snooker table; so, why not do the same for the Look At Me Brigade? The least they deserve is some recognition; isn't it? (snigger).
The championships have been going on for years; and I'm beginning to wonder whether some form of handicapping should be introduced - if not this year, perhaps, at some time in the future. You see, rather like horse racing, those with the most money - or, at any rate, those who spend the most - seem to have a distinct advantage; and, in particular on the issue of seating. At least one contestant seems to spend the entire fortnight in the theatre; and, to achieve that, presumably has spent a king's ransom buying the best seats in the house - not to mention investing in eye-catching shirts to increase their chances of seeing themselves (and being seen by others). So, in those circumstances, what chance does the enthusiastic amateur have; even when they work in pairs - nudging each other when they're on camera?
So, come on Barry Hearn, let's make it a level playing field. After all, an enormous amount of effort is put towards providing a level snooker table; so, why not do the same for the Look At Me Brigade? The least they deserve is some recognition; isn't it? (snigger).
