Crucible tables to be re-clothed
Thursday, 20 April 2006 15:20Organisers of the 888.com World Championship will take action at the weekend to try to improve conditions on the tables after a series of complaints from players.
Joe Swail and Peter Ebdon have been the most vociferous in their criticism of The Crucible Theatre tables, the Ulsterman branding the one on which he played an 'absolute joke', while the 2002 champion likened the same one to a club table.
The number of heavy contacts and balls rolling off line has been the source of frustration, with Swail claiming he had experienced a 'kick' - the cause of which remains unknown despite extensive research - every other shot.
Now the World Snooker Association have decided to take the unprecedented step of re-clothing the tables, most likely on Sunday morning when no play is scheduled.
"We will re-cover the tables at the weekend," confirmed tournament director Mike Ganley.
He added: "It is being done to give the players the best conditions possible for what is a special event and the longest tournament in the calendar.
"We have listened to what the players have had to say and have taken the feedback on board. Therefore we have decided a re-cover is required."
