Snooker is set to be the first sport to return to action and television as WST brings us the latest edition of the Championship League. As one of the many non-ranking events offered throughout the season, the Championship League can often fly over most viewers’ radar since it doesn’t follow the conventional snooker format. This is for those who don’t pay much attention to the Championship League and perhaps even the new fan that will be looking to watch some sport on television that isn’t a re-run.
The Championship League follows a format similar to that shown in football, involving separate groups of players competing in their own ‘table’, and winners of each of these groups progressing to further rounds. For this year’s tournament, the draw will consist of 64 players, broken up into 16 groups of four. Each match is contested over a best-of-four contest with each win earning 3 points, while a draw (i.e. 2-2) is worth 1 point. The addition of a point-based format differs from what it was in previous years where just the Frame Difference (frames won-frames conceded) was considered.
But here’s why the Championship League is such a clever idea on the part of WST. During this time of global uncertainty, all sport is on hold. Almost all of these sports are unable to return to some kind of normality due to the outdoor requirement and physicality of these activities. Even with extreme safety measures in place, there aren’t many sports that can come back to television due to the number of individuals involved. Snooker, alongside with darts, are perhaps the only sports, due to their nature, that can have a chance of bringing something back to television for sporting audiences.
Why the Championship League though? Out of all possible events that could have been chosen - which includes the delayed Tour Championship that contests the top eight players this year - why this one? We already had a Championship League which was won by Scott Donaldson earlier this year. And, as established beforehand, the snooker championship league follows a significantly different format to its typical event.
First, let’s view it from the audience/WST perspective. Currently, there isn’t anything filling the television sport void. Most viewers will likely welcome live sport back to television, regardless of the activity. This could be substantial for WST attracting new viewers to the sport. Being the first and only sport to return to action is significant in bringing some normalcy to viewers. And these viewers may have a ‘well, better than nothing’ mind-set and take a chance on snooker if they hadn’t done previously.
That’s why the Championship League was chosen. It follows a format that closely resembles tabular sports such as football, which is probably the most watched sport in the UK and one of the most popular globally. By televising a snooker tournament that aligns with the scoring of football will make it easier for new fans to follow along. Furthermore, this edition of the Championship League has been simplified as the regular format involved more players and playoffs which can get a little confusing for a newcomer.
It’s also a shorter format event. Matches will only go up to four frames which will make it more ‘watchable’ for a new viewer. Snooker is often associated with long, drawn-out matches so for someone to watch a quick match to completion as opposed to start, leave the room for a short time, then come back to the same match may provide a more positive experience, particularly for those who don’t often watch the sport.
Additionally, we can look at this move positively from the players’ perspective. Even though the season would technically be on a break right now, its premature stoppage is demotivating for players, especially those who have been working towards the World Championship. What makes matters worse is for those professionals who don’t have tables at home and whose clubs are closed due to the current circumstances.
This is positive for the morale of snooker professionals, as evident by the number of top players choosing to compete, despite the prize money arguably not being worth their time. Even those who aren’t able to compete in this event due to ranking or location, this tournament is showing them that work is being done behind the scenes to bring snooker back to the world.
Indeed, safety measures are the top priority with bringing snooker back to the screen, as WST work with officials to ensure the safety of all those involved. However, I, for one am glad and eager to see snooker return even with this format and crowd-less atmosphere, and get back to the feeling of being able to watch snooker every day. We should really commend the WST team for moving things forward for fans and players at this time.
Like this Short? Click here to read: History of the UK Championship
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