Snooker Star Stephen Maguire Demands Major Overhaul of Ranking System After Neil Robertson’s £500k Win
Stephen Maguire, a prominent snooker player, has called for a significant overhaul of the sport’s ranking system following Neil Robertson’s £500,000 win at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters. Maguire argues that the current ranking structure, which heavily favors players based on the prize money they earn, is not an accurate reflection of a player’s performance. The rankings, both on a two-year rolling period and a one-year basis, rely on the amount of money players have accumulated through tournaments, and this system has caused controversy, especially with events offering disproportionately high rewards.
Robertson’s huge payday at the Saudi Masters propelled him to the top of the one-year ranking list, despite it being a single tournament win. Maguire believes this creates an imbalance, with players who win large cash prizes being given an unfair advantage in terms of ranking points. He suggests that while the money is important for the players, it shouldn’t directly translate into ranking points. Instead, Maguire advocates for a more merit-based points system where tournaments could offer varying points based on their significance, but the prize money would not be the sole factor determining rankings.
He further criticized the ranking system, stating that the current approach makes it easier for players to rise through the rankings by winning a single large-prize tournament like the Saudi Masters, while other prestigious events offering less money might require more effort for a similar ranking boost. Maguire also expressed frustration with the decision-makers in snooker, emphasizing that the voices of players need to be heard. He stressed that without players, there would be no game, and suggested that those in charge of the sport often overlook this crucial perspective.
