'It's made a total mockery of the event and an embarrassment of me. 'I'm very disappointed in them.' Shaun Murphy unleashes on the Champion of Champions scheduling and Matchroom give their side of things. More here👇 metro.co.uk/2025/11/10/sha…

Judd Trump is the second star in as many weeks to claim table pockets have been "so big" of late. He told ITV: "The pockets are so big at the moment, I find it hard that the better player doesn't always win." Neil Robertson spoke of similar concerns to Radio Snooker with Nick Metcalfe #snooker

The more I see Stephen Hendry, the more I appreciate him. I'd argue that pound for pound he's the only totally unafraid snooker pundit on television. Absolutely without fear or favour, he'll tackle anyone and everything with gusto. Compelling presence. #Snooker

I can't shake the feeling that the Champion of Champions has slightly dipped in gravitas terms in the last five or six years. Still a fine tournament. But I'm not sure it's ever been as strong as when it was in Coventry. It was a glorious event in those years, 13-19. #Snooker

That doesn't mean I think Hendry is perfect - previous complaints about him not being across the whole tour and every event are still fair game. But I just love when I see that mind whirring. He hasn't got time for vanilla statements. There's too much strong stuff to say.

I do think venue is a big part of it. Coventry 13-19. Since then, MK, Bolton and now Leicester. It's lost some of its identity. This might be rose-tinted (I'm sure you'll tell me if it is) but weren't afternoon crowds usually very good in Coventry? They're not like that now.

FAO Oli Bell

Smashing numbers for the latest episode of Talking Snooker, we appreciate you tuning in. Phil Haigh and I reflect on a famous win for Wu Yize at the International Championship. Plus plenty of Champion of Champions chat. podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/tal… #TalkingSnooker

Our episode reflecting on glory for Wu Yize in Nanjing is also now available on YouTube. youtube.com/watch?v=uP31jM… If you watch us on there, we'd appreciate you subscribing to the channel. #TalkingSnooker

Astonishing scenes from the BBC News (UK) meeting with Tim Davie and Samir Shah. * Chairman sait it was disrespectful to suggest board wasn’t upholding BBC values, causing widespread fury * Explained the week long delay in commenting on The Telegraph leak was because of need to check

Be careful what you wish for with the BBC. Were serious mistakes made with the Trump edit? Clearly. Is it perfect? No. Are most people in that building left of centre? Yes. But it’s still the most respected news organisation in the world. Fairness and balance is at its core.

Loads of factors I would say, probably chief among them being how tough life is economically. People haven’t got the spare money. But chopping and changing venues all the time doesn’t help. Put it this way, I suspect Coventry would be fuller today. #Snooker

Ha funnily enough some snooker people moaned about that top bit when it interfered with coverage of the Masters in January 21.

Nick Metcalfe I think the fact that the schedule wasn’t confirmed until Sunday doesn’t help either. People like to know who they’re watching when buying tickets.

I've actually heard a few times about a lookalike of Nick Metcalfe doing the rounds at the snooker. Tempting to do a throwaway gag - but instead I'll just say, the poor lad. I hope every day of his life isn't like the John Cleese character in Clockwise.

Thanks Ian, I suppose I do my bit yes. Just last week there was two episodes of the Talking Snooker podcast, a lengthy Radio Snooker broadcast, a new column for Sporting Life and stories written for TNT. It’s pretty tireless stuff. Oh wait a minute, do you mean Zhao Xintong?

Yeah I’ve got my lorries business. And my farms. And my popcorn. Why do you think I’m so relaxed about Walker hogging all the work in snooker?

Nick Metcalfe You are so right Nick, the Champion of Champions in Coventry was probably my favourite Snooker event of all time after the Triple Crowns

Ha yes Neil, I said this on here a few World Championships ago… x.com/nick_metcalfe/…

Me after a day of ITV adverts between frames