Trump Calls for Snooker Technology Overhaul After British Open Incident
Judd Trump Calls for Technology to End Lengthy Ball-Replacement Delays in Snooker
Judd Trump has called for greater use of technology in snooker after a lengthy and frustrating incident during his British Open victory over Dylan Emery in Cheltenham on Monday.
The 37-year-old Englishman secured a 4-2 win, but his progress was briefly overshadowed by a sixth-frame delay that lasted around 12 minutes as officials struggled to correctly replace a group of reds on the table.
Trump had taken a 3-2 lead after recovering from a fast start by Emery, who opened the contest impressively by compiling two consecutive century breaks. However, the sixth frame proved to be a completely different affair, with the pace of the match brought to a halt during a complicated safety exchange.
Emery twice attempted to play a safety shot around a cluster of reds but on both occasions struck the pink instead. The contact moved several reds, meaning the balls had to be restored to their previous positions before play could continue.
Referee Proletina Velichkova and marker Terry Camilleri spent more than 12 minutes attempting to recreate the original position of the balls. Both players also became involved in trying to assist with the process, but the lengthy interruption left Trump frustrated.
The former world champion believes modern technology could make such situations much quicker and more efficient. He pointed to systems already being used at some snooker events in China, where overhead cameras help officials identify the exact positions of balls and display the correct placement on a screen.
Trump questioned why similar technology is not more widely available at tournaments in the United Kingdom, arguing that the technology already exists and could prevent spectators from having to endure lengthy stoppages.
He described the incident as “boring” and said the delay was excessive for both players and the watching crowd. In his view, the issue was not the fault of any particular official but rather a sign that the current system needs improvement.
The Chinese tournaments have also provided another talking point for Trump, particularly regarding table conditions. He noted that pockets at UK events can be significantly tighter than those used in China, making it more difficult for players to pot balls, especially along the rails.
According to Trump, the tighter pockets and livelier cushions in Cheltenham require players to exercise greater caution, although he believes the more demanding conditions can make for better competition.
World Snooker Tour responded by saying that it always aims to provide the best possible playing conditions.
Trump will now turn his attention back to the tournament, with Ricky Walden standing between him and a place further into the British Open. The victory over Emery keeps alive his hopes of securing a second title of the season after his Shanghai Masters triumph in August.
There is also renewed confidence in Trump’s equipment after a difficult period with his cue last season. The snooker star confirmed that his cue problems have now been resolved and that he is using the same cue he played with at the World Championship.
With his cue performing well and his form showing encouraging signs, Trump will hope that the remainder of his British Open campaign is defined by his performances at the table rather than lengthy delays away from it.
