IBSF World Amateur Championships

[Terry Davidson]

itsnoteasy:

When we had all those great players on the tour and Cliff won the worlds there was some coverage on TV but because of Canadian content laws regarding television they couldn't broadcast it any more as there is no Canadian content. With lack of TV coverage plus the fact that the pool gets TV coverage (we have a bunch of pool pros) the younger generation is taking up pool more than snooker.

We also have that 'den of iniquity' thing over here where all 'pool rooms' are only hang-outs for crooks, drugs and prosties so no mothers will allow their kid to play snooker even though there are some really nice clubs. When I was 15 and in high school I used to sneak off to Jerry's Billiards in my home town of Fort Erie and I felt I was breaking the law and also hoped my parents never found out.

Terry

[lesedwards]

Yes it is sad alright. I have to drive 2 hours to get a game with Terry because no one plays Snooker. Most legions have taken out their snooker tables and pool halls are a dyeing business. We have problems finding a spot to run our Ontario Qualifiers. I am sure Terry will comment on this one. Terry is busy selling off his collection off cues to raise money to go to the worlds. I think I am going to buy one. But if your a hockey player the Canadian Government will hand you everything you need.

[itsnoteasy]

Have I read that right, you can not show any sport on TV unless a Canadian is involved?, how the hell do new sports get introduced into your country, that sounds very isolationist (if that's a word) there will be world champions in Canada that never get introduced to their sport, and that talent will go undiscovered.
I can understand the attitude about snooker halls it was the same over here in the fifties/sixties, changed a bit in the seventies, and then TV exposure changed attitudes.

[lesedwards]

No that's not right. We have all kinds of sports on but Snooker.

[DeanH]

No that's not right. We have all kinds of sports on but Snooker.

ah, discrimination!

[cpenney]

Tis a sad sad state for snooker here in Canada. Dont see it changing. Ever.

Terry, that's great news. Best of luck to you!

[Terry Davidson]

Colin:

We're still looking to fill one Open and one Masters spot. As you're under 40 and if you have a valid passport (and some cash and time) you can get in as we would like to fill all our 5 spots this year if possible.

Others:

Regarding the Canadian content laws, the government passed a law years ago making a certain percentage of all TV broadcast to have Canadian content. We do get a lot of US regular shows although it's surprising how many Canadians are on the big US-made shows.

A few years ago I contacted TSN (Canadian ESPN) and they told me they couldn't show snooker as no Canadian was any longer part of the pro tour but they were probably shining me on. For whatever reason we get no broadcast snooker at all except for the odd local tournament on local cable TV sometimes. It probably has to do with the low popularity of snooker plus the larger audience is uneducated regarding the rules and would likely get bored with the safety exchanges.

They would need to broadcast just the highlights and have a good commentator explaining what the player is attempting to do and what position he is trying to play and why. The commentators from the BBC and Eurosport don't always explain that clearly since their audiences understand snooker.

Even with snooker players here I get complaints about my 'slow play' only because I don't have the technique any more to be aggressive plus I find I play better when I take a little time over each shot, making sure I'm set. Mind you, I don't take any more time than most of the pros but the complainers don't really watch the pros and plus the pros seem to play faster once they get into the balls and make big breaks.

Terry

[cpenney]

Thx Terry... But no cash and no time I do have a passport tho!

[Terry Davidson]

colin:

Too bad as I think you would really enjoy yourself. It's a great time and you get to underestand just how good you have to be to compete with some of these great amateur players.

Of course, losing matches can be frustrating though!

Terry

[lesedwards]

Too bad I have the cash and could probably make time but I do not have a game to play with big boys...LOL

[cpenney]

Ya, i would go in a heartbeat... But it would really need to be paid for me.. And i would need to book the time off work in advance...

[itsnoteasy]

Colin:

We're still looking to fill one Open and one Masters spot. As you're under 40 and if you have a valid passport (and some cash and time) you can get in as we would like to fill all our 5 spots this year if possible.

Others:

Regarding the Canadian content laws, the government passed a law years ago making a certain percentage of all TV broadcast to have Canadian content. We do get a lot of US regular shows although it's surprising how many Canadians are on the big US-made shows.

A few years ago I contacted TSN (Canadian ESPN) and they told me they couldn't show snooker as no Canadian was any longer part of the pro tour but they were probably shining me on. For whatever reason we get no broadcast snooker at all except for the odd local tournament on local cable TV sometimes. It probably has to do with the low popularity of snooker plus the larger audience is uneducated regarding the rules and would likely get bored with the safety exchanges.

They would need to broadcast just the highlights and have a good commentator explaining what the player is attempting to do and what position he is trying to play and why. The commentators from the BBC and Eurosport don't always explain that clearly since their audiences understand snooker.

Even with snooker players here I get complaints about my 'slow play' only because I don't have the technique any more to be aggressive plus I find I play better when I take a little time over each shot, making sure I'm set. Mind you, I don't take any more time than most of the pros but the complainers don't really watch the pros and plus the pros seem to play faster once they get into the balls and make big breaks.

Terry

I slowed my game down and it makes a big difference, let them moan Terry, I would say to them ,"this is me flat out, wait till I really slow down"lol.
I knew it wasn't all tv, I thought it was just sport that had to have Canadian interest.

[Terry Davidson]

itsnoteasy:

Nope, it all TV and everything broadcast but there are still ways around it. For instance the lead actress in Castle is Canadian so it counts as 'Canadian Content'.

Terry

[fred.england]

My game has slowed down dramatically over the last few months. Not by choice but I'm getting out of breath walking round the table!!! But I must admit, my thinking of the game and tactical side has improved so much. Im getting consistently higher breaks and my safety is better than it's ever been. I wish I'd slowed down years ago now!! Haha. I'd suggest to one and all to have a go! It's helped me get to the final in our annual knockout so can't all be bad eh!!!

[mythman69]

My game has slowed down dramatically over the last few months. Not by choice but I'm getting out of breath walking round the table!!! But I must admit, my thinking of the game and tactical side has improved so much. Im getting consistently higher breaks and my safety is better than it's ever been. I wish I'd slowed down years ago now!! Haha. I'd suggest to one and all to have a go! It's helped me get to the final in our annual knockout so can't all be bad eh!!!

Wise words Fred! I am trying to slow down around the table as I tend to play too quickly especially when I can see a big break on. Normally rush the first shot and then have to sit down and watch my opponent slowly clean up.