Industry news

Healthy growth in pool & snooker

Although snooker and pool have different organisations, affiliations, rules and equipment, they are often lumped together as a sport that offers an indoor alternative to rugby, soccer or cricket.

While snooker was first played by English gentlemen as far back as the 15th century, and was introduced to the rest of the world by British army officers, pool has a much more robust heritage. Originally known as pocket billiards, the game gained popularity in gaming – or pool halls – where money were pooled so that bets could be placed, and hence became popularly known as pool.

For many years the authorities tried in vain to call the sport pocket billiards because they thought pool had a negative connotation — but the name stuck and the families who nowadays buy a pool table to keep the children occupied at home give no thought to gambling.

The first snooker world championship was held in 1916, and in 1927 the legendary Joe Davis, considered by many to be the father of modern snooker, helped establish the first professional world championship. He was world champion until his retirement in 1946. But it was only after the snooker world championship was featured on BBC television for the first time in 1976, that the game took off as a mainstream professional sport. These championship broadcasts draw millions of viewers – it was estimated that 18.5-m UK viewers watched the 1985 world championship on TV.

In the modern era professional players like 7-times world champion Stephen Hendry and 11-championships winner and former England captain John Parrott draw the fans. Hendry has won more than £8-m in prize money.

Local growth

In SA, snooker has grown tremendously over the past five years, says Flip Bester, president of Snooker and Billiards SA, although it is difficult to provide an accurate figure for the number of people playing the sport competitively. It is especially popular in urban areas, where it is being played at all times, but it is not played much in rural areas, says Bester. The Western Cape is the strongest region, where snooker is very popular and is also growing the strongest.

There are many factors contributing to the growth of the sport.

As people become more aware of snooker, more people realise how interesting the sport is, what skills are required and come to regard it as an alternative to sports like rugby, soccer or cricket, instead of a pub game, says Bester.

Mini-tournaments organised by some retailers have also made many people more aware of the sport.

Another factor is that snooker is an international sport with SA players participating in four international events per year. It is also televised, which makes the sport seen and known.

"We are proud of the growth in snooker over the past 5 years," says Bester. "I cannot say if competing in the four international events are enough or not, but I can say that it has helped to change some perspective about the game."

Participation in the international events have definitely boosted the sport. SA snooker is ranked 15th in the world.

But, what will be a tremendous boost for growth, is admittance to the Olympic or Commonwealth Games — objectives that the international organisation have been aiming for. "If snooker becomes a Olympic or Commonwealth Games sport, it will definitely help grow the sport."

While snooker is an organised sport, pool is more often played for fun. It is more accessible to people in urban and rural areas, says Temba Wiso, president of Pool SA.

He does not have exact figures for the number of participants as the player numbers per region are constantly changing, but says that there are between 4 000 to 6 000 registered players. There are many more recreational players playing in pool halls, pubs or at home.

"Pool has grown tremendously. It has grown strong in a sense that you will find a pool table in most taverns and shebeens," says Wiso. "It is one of the most accessible sports in the country."

While most pool players fall in the category of social players, there are structured leagues in the cities, while the rural areas still need to be structured, although taverns often organise mini tournaments in rural areas.

Wiso says that pool is more accessible than snooker as the latter is played predominantly in the urban areas. "Snooker tables are big and expensive, unlike pool tables that are smaller and more affordable. Because pool tables are set up in so many pool halls and pubs, even the disadvantaged people can afford to play the game."

Day Motion

The pool market is certainly vibrant, says Glenda Babaya, who last year took over the Day Motion manufacturing business from Alon Monastursky.

"We have had very good sales of pool tables," she says. "We get a lot of orders for them from all over the country,"

As a matter of fact, the demand for pool tables has prompted them to start developing one or two new lines that will be launched later this year.

Business in general is booming, says Babaya, who recently also moved premises to 32A 13th Rd, Kew, in Johannesburg.

De Wet Sports

De Wet Sports reports that the increased market presence of their Riemann branded snooker and pool equipment range has led to unprecedented growth in this sector. "The main reason behind this growth is that Riemann offers the retailer reliable products at the most competitive prices," says Kevin de Wet.

"High standards of quality control ensure the retailer can sell Riemann products with confidence, and this confidence translates to increased levels of consumer satisfaction."

The range includes cues, cue bags, balls, tips and various other accessories. The extensive cue range ensures that every conceivable budget and skill level is catered for — starting at the entry level 1 piece Ramin cues and culminating in the top of the range 2-piece Graphite cues.

"The most popular Riemann cues are the mid-priced range of designer cues which include the Snake, Spider, Lion, Leopard, Flame and Marble models. The Riemann brand is a must for any retailer interested in meeting the increased demand for snooker and pool products in SA," says De Wet.

Snooker & Pool Warehouse

Jörgen Noordermeer of Snooker & Pool Warehouse has, once again, paid one of his regular visits to their agents in China and Taiwan in order to stay abreast of changes, trends and new products on the market.

The result is that Snooker & Pool Warehouse now have their own branded air hockey, commercial and home soccer tables.

"This Orlando range is robust, sturdy and pleasing to the eye and looks good in any home," Mike Slabolepszky.

All tables come with accessories and spare parts are available.

One of the Chinese innovations is a lazer cue — a graphite cue with a red lazer light that shines on the cue ball through a pin prick hole in the tip of the cue. The light and an energizer battery have been placed in the ferrule, which also serves as a switch for the light when turned. The two-piece cue is sold with batteries included.

Another new product is a 2-piece laminated bamboo cue with brass ferrules that is becoming very popular, says Slabolepszky.

The range also include 2-piece graphite cues with titanium shafts in bright neon colours — even pink for women.

They have also extended their Peradon range and are still the exclusive agents of Joe Davis.