Snooker's biggest names have united in calling for a significant change to one of the sport's most debated regulations. In a series of interviews with TNT Sports, multiple world champions, including Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Selby, and Shaun Murphy, identified the same issue: the controversial 'foul and miss' rule.
What is the 'Foul and Miss' Rule?
The rule, a long-standing source of frustration for professionals, comes into play when a player fails to hit the correct ball. If the referee deems the attempt insufficient or that an easier escape from a snooker was available, they can call a 'foul and a miss'.
When this happens, the opponent can choose to have the balls replaced, forcing the offending player to retake the shot. This can lead to a player being trapped in a cycle of repeated attempts, while their rival accumulates points without playing a shot. The 'three-miss rule' means failing to hit the correct ball three times in a row results in automatic forfeit of the frame.
Top Players Voice Their Frustrations
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was unequivocal. When asked what he would change, he immediately stated: "The miss rule." Kyren Wilson agreed, suggesting a limit: "Let's go with the miss rule. No more than three misses."
Four-time world champion Mark Selby highlighted a tactical flaw. "Where you can only miss three times and then that's it," Selby explained. "Because sometimes you can be 20 or 30 points in front, have somebody in a tough snooker and end up winning the frame because of them missing numerous times. I'd probably change that."
2005 world champion Shaun Murphy criticised the potential for gamesmanship. "Just one rule change I'd make would be the foul and a miss rule," Murphy said. "It gives players chances to play deliberate fouls and I don't like that."
Proposals for Reform and Other Suggested Changes
Current world number three Neil Robertson offered a specific solution to speed up play. He proposed: "If you can see a red directly but you don't make contact with it, then your opponent gets a free ball. This would speed up the game massively."
While the miss rule dominated discussions, the sport's formal dress code also came under fire. Players like Mark Allen and Luca Brecel argued for a relaxation of the requirements for long-sleeved shirts, waistcoats, and formal shoes. "The dress code. I think it needs to be relaxed," said Allen, with Brecel adding it to his list of desired changes.
The collective voice from snooker's elite highlights a growing consensus that modernising certain aspects of the game's regulations could improve fairness, pace, and viewer experience. Whether the governing body will act on these high-profile recommendations remains to be seen.
