Joe Perry, approaching his 30th year as a professional, has voiced strong criticism of the current snooker calendar and qualifying structure, describing the set-up as 'bland and boring'. The world number 21, who has been in the top 32 for over two decades, told Metro.co.uk that the sport has 'gone backwards' in recent years.
Perry lamented the separation of qualifiers from main events, noting that top 16 players now go straight to venues while others play in Barnsley or Leicester. He said the atmosphere in qualifying venues has deteriorated, with only two tables in a cubicle, contrasting with the 'buzzing' players' lounge of the past. 'It's so bland and boring,' he said, adding that the current system gives top players an unfair advantage by allowing them to rest and prepare while others play frequent qualifiers.
The 47-year-old also criticised the flat 128-player draw for most tournaments, arguing that a tiered system would help young players develop. He highlighted the example of Australian player Vinny Calabrese, who faced a string of top opponents early in his career. 'It must be so soul-destroying for players down the rankings, always getting top 16, top 32 players,' Perry said. 'If a tiered system is not the way to go then why do we use it for our biggest event? If it’s good enough for the World Championship then why’s it not good enough for all of them?'
Perry acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic may have played a part in the current set-up but insisted that holding qualifiers months before events is problematic. He noted that his next qualifier for the German Masters is this month, but the tournament is not until the following year. 'By the time it comes round you could be in a completely different place with your game,' he said.
