Why are snooker commentators so critical of the players?

Question

o.k. a lot of them have played in the past and know their stuff but they go on like they played 100 % perfect and never chose the wrong shot...they sound astonished when a player misses a sitter...didn't they ever miss one?and how patronizing are they to the younger players?? advising them to slow down etc.......anyone else infuriated by this or am i just getting grumpy?

Answer 1

It's only certain commentators I dislike - I can't listen to John Virgo... nor Willie Thorne... yeah, I know you got loads of 147s Willie but what did you actually win???

The game of this tournament that fascinated me was John Parrott v Steve Davis.  As both former Winners (they have the right to criticise cos they have won stuff!) and now pundits, you would have thought that either a) they would talk to each other the whole game or b) they would be so analytical of every shot that they would never miss!!

Answer 2

I always turn the sound off and listen to music instead.   All commentaters are just frustrated players.

Answer 3

because they have played the game themselves and know what they are talking about, and they get paid for it, but they do forget sometimes that we are all human and make mistakes - just as they did.

Answer 4

its never bothered me to be honest. I have always felt that they are very fair. Sometimes when they are shocked by a foolish choice of shot or a bad miss i think its because they know that that particular player is an excellent player so it takes them by surprise, I know it does me. For instance when stephen Hendry first started struggleing I was really shocked by his seemingly inability to get his form back. The trouble is they perform so well for a prolonged period of time and we get used to seeing them win all the time that when they have a bad day we tend to be like WHAT ON EARTH IS HE DOING?? Also their job is to explain to the viewers what is going on and they need to be honest about the players performance, there's no point commentating if they are just going to sit there and say a load of untruths, is there?

Answer 5

oi i quite like the commentators, they seem to know what theyre on about and its their job to tell us what should be happening!! i was gonna say you are getting grumpy but it seems everyone is agreeing with you so i guess i miss mellow!!

Answer 6

there just pissed off because they are commentating on the snooker while every one else is down the pub watching the foot ball.

Answer 7

commentaters think they no it all because been there before but just doing ther job

Answer 8

when a commentater is on air you have to remember that the standard of play today is very different to when dennis taylor etc was playing.clive everton is a reporter / editor for the magazine snooker scene and has been involved in snooker since long before i was a child and has seen most changes in that time.

they can be too critical but its harder for them to believe that the shot that are missed have been missed and only say whats on their mind at the time.its like thinking out loud when commentating and they also have to be very careful what they say as when they are live on air its not being edited until afterwards.

the people who commentate have to remain impartial to an extent but they are paid for their knowledge and expertese and also their experiences as players.

they all miss easy looking pots at times and also have different characteristics whilst playing.

ie hendry hardly smiles as he is in a high state of concentration.misserable appearence they are in a very serious competition and therefore have to and find it hard to maintain that level of competition over time periods such as best of 19 frames etc.on the otherhand alot of players share a joke with the crowd as part of the game when a great shot has gone wrong they are stuck in the pack of reds and there is no easy escape or a miss is called when its felt its unnecessary for it to be called.

as for telling the younger players to slow down i dont think thats fair however the players play at their own natural pace and at times it can effect their game due to them missing a vital ball ie jimmy whites black off the spot for the world champiuonship title in the late nineties against hendry .

the players are all human too and yes the lapse of concentration.can effect the players game but if you rush a shot as jimmy white did by his own admittance it can cost you the title or the match so easily.

Answer 9

i agree

Answer 10

Pro Armchair quarterbacks i see shots all the time that appear wrong to me as a ref im not allowed to comment pro or con but the guy with the mike has no rule saying to keep his mouth shut right or wrong they have to comment thats their job

I would play any of them with a broomstick(if my motherinlaw isnt gone for a ride on it)and have done so.

go ahead get grumpy i did!!Tthats why they are called commentators.

Answer 11

agreed