Do you know what classic movies like The Hustler and The Colour of Money or modern movies like Pool-hall Junkies have in common? Show They all had this chic game at the clubs where men and women held large sticks and seemed to be preoccupied with colourful balls? Well, that’s snooker! Snooker is India’s cue-sport to the world? Don’t believe it? Well, this modern, sophisticated and strategic sport originated in India. Snooker, a cue sport event inspired by Billiards is recognized by the International Olympic Association, the game is bidding for a place in 2020 Olympics. The game is governed by World Professional Billiards and Snooker Federation at international level and Billiards and Snooker Federation in India. The game is under-hyped in the country. Still, India has produced several roaming names in this sports, including champions such as Aditya Mehta, Pankaj Advani and Subhash Agarwal who work together to popularize the game among masses. A Sneak Peek about SnookerA popular cue sport invented in India, Snooker is a game that’s played on a large table, covered with ball pockets and 22 snooker balls. Widely popular in English-speaking and Commonwealth countries, the game is considered a premier sport. The idea of snooker is to use a cue and hit snooker balls- each of which have a point. Players execute shots by striking a cue ball with a cue. Points can be scored with the ball potting or if the other opponent commits a foul. The game includes 15 red balls, six balls in yellow, green, brown, blue, black and pink colours. It is won when a player achieves predetermined number of frames in the game. Snooker, which is barely 200 years old is well known for fetching its top players million pounds in deals, with huge earnings through the course of a professional career. World Snooker Championships witnesses players winning large. The game is International Olympic Association (IOC) recognized and is bidding for a place in 2020 Olympics. Snooker has several governing organizations. However, it is largely ruled by World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) which controls the professional game, whereas International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) controls amateur games. The game is governed by Billiards and Snooker Federation of India in the country. This governing body is responsible for organizing training camps and holding a number of championships. Capsulizing the HistoryWhile the roots of Snooker go back to 16th century English Billiards, the game itself was developed in India by British Armed Forces stationed in the country.
Exploring the Rules of SnookerThe main objective of this game is to strike a white cue ball with a cue to pot other balls in any of the six pockets. The rules are discussed below.
Keep these factors in mindFouls are an important part of the game, allowing an opponent to win the frame. Foul is a shot or an action that is against the rules of the game. Common fouls include,
A frame ends in any of these ways,
Other ways of ending the frame are,
Understanding the specifications of the gameFollowing sport specifications are to be kept in mind while playing the game.
Governing Bodies for SnookerWorld Professional Billiards and Snooker Association WPBSA, established in 1968 is the governing body of professional snooker for men. The organization sets the rules, organizes tournaments and tours. Based in Bristol, United Kingdom, the organization has a subsidiary called World Snooker Association, which administers ranking circuit events and handles a number of snooker championships, including World Snooker Championship, China Open, Welsh Open and Shanghai Masters. International Billiards and Snooker Federation IBSF, headquartered at Dubai is the governing body for non-professional snooker. The organization was originally established in 1971 as World Billiards and Snooker Council, but changed the name in 1973. The group has over sixty affiliated countries. The role of the organization is to promote and develop snooker at non-professional level. Billiards and Snooker Federation of India BSFI is the central governing body for cue games in the country. The federation body was conceptualized in 1926 and formed in Calcutta (now Kolkata). The federation has several affiliates through different states in the country. The federation is accredited from Indian Olympic Association and Asian Confederation. Championships across the world Prepare for these championships and you can win millions of pounds! International World Snooker Championship The leading snooker championship, World Snooker Championship was established in 1927. The ranking event has total prize fund of UK £1,500,100. Joe Davis won the first 15 championships of this game. IBSF World Snooker Championship The premier non-professional snooker tournament was first held in 1963 and a majority of players from this tournament have created successful professional snooker careers. India is one of the most popular contenders in this championship tournament and ranks fourth in the list of champions by the country. The last title that India won was in 2015. National Indian Open Indian Open is snooker tournament organized by WPBSA. The ranking event is played since 2013 with international participants competing to be championships. £300,000 is the total prize fund. The first edition saw Aditya Mehta as the runner-up. Personalities with a knack for Snooker These snooker players will give anyone a run for their money! Pankaj Advani An admirable English Billiards and professional snooker player, Pankaj Advani has been a ten times billiards champion and world number 1 in 6-red snooker. Called ‘The Prince of India,’ Advani has achieved World Ranking of 56 at the height of his career and has won IBSF world championships as well. He became a snooker player only in 2012. For his achievements, Advani has been bestowed with Arjuna Award and Padma Shri as well. Aditya Mehta A professional snooker player, Mehta was the runner up in the Indian open. With the highest ranking of 49 at the peak of his career, Mehta has enjoyed earning premier prize amounts during his career. He has also won several medals in World Games, Asian Games and Asian Indoor Games. Currently, Mehta writes a regular sports’ column for a sports portal in the country. Subhash Agarwal A professional player and coach for Billiards and Snookers, Agarwal is one of the premier players in the country. He is also the National Snooker Champion of India and runner up of the 1983 IBSF World Billiards Championship. An Arjuna Awardee, Agarwal works with Pankaj Advani to coach budding talents in Snooker and Billiards. A game that requires 100% focus and attention, Snooker is for those who are all about precision and perfect timing! If you are looking for someone who can enhance your child’s interest in this sport, then get in touch with us at YoGems, and we will help you achieve your child’s dream! |