Snooker legend Stephen Hendry has weighed in on Shaun Murphy’s latest call for changes within the sport, offering a measured endorsement of the proposal for a visible cue ball spin indicator — but only under particular circumstances. Hendry’s input adds significant weight to a conversation that has steadily gathered momentum, especially amongst fans keen to see snooker’s traditions adapt to contemporary audience expectations.
Shaun Murphy, currently the reigning Masters champion and a figure known for his outspoken nature, has once again stirred debate with another innovative suggestion designed to make snooker more accessible and visually engaging. Murphy’s central idea involves incorporating a spot onto the cue ball to make the amount and direction of spin more visible to spectators, commentators, and perhaps even to players themselves. While a marked cue ball is commonplace in other cue sports such as pool and billiards, snooker has, thus far, retained an unspotted cue ball as part of its longstanding heritage.
Murphy discussed the concept in a recent instructional video on his YouTube channel, utilising a spotted cue ball in order to better demonstrate his coaching techniques and explain tactical choices. His argument centres on the benefit for viewers, who could witness first-hand how top players generate and manipulate spin, enhancing both clarity and drama during matches. “People are really enjoying being able to see the actual movement and response of the cue ball,” Murphy noted, suggesting that greater transparency could, in fact, help demystify a core aspect of high-level snooker.
The push for this change echoes a pattern across the wider world of cue sports, where adapting equipment to suit both entertainment and coaching is becoming increasingly accepted. “It’s time for snooker to embrace something already standard elsewhere,” Murphy contends, highlighting the isolation of snooker as the only major cue sport yet to implement such visual aids during play.
Addressing the matter on his own ‘Cue Tips’ YouTube channel, Stephen Hendry responded to fellow player Neil Robertson’s question about the possibility of a spotted cue ball making its way into the professional game. Hendry, a seven-time world champion renowned for his insightful analysis as well as his on-table achievements, struck a balanced tone. He expressed support for a limited trial, suggesting the spotted cue ball could add an exciting new layer to specific tournaments, offering a fresh perspective particularly in exhibition or invitational events aimed primarily at televised audiences.
However, Hendry warned against a complete overhaul, arguing that widespread adoption may not be embraced warmly by all professionals. “Many players would resist it, because it could highlight errors, such as inadvertently applying unwanted side spin,” Hendry observed, adding that the traditionalist core of the sport is likely to retain concerns regarding consistency, fairness, and maintaining the game’s classical aesthetic.
Murphy’s appetite for reform stretches well beyond the spotted cue ball. Amongst other ideas, he has previously advocated for the abolition of the ‘foul and miss’ rule, and supports the introduction of a shot clock to accelerate the pace of play — again aligning snooker with the reforms witnessed in other forms of the game. “It’s odd to have a rule essentially giving players a second chance after a mistake,” Murphy said of the ‘foul and miss’ regulation, reinforcing his commitment to clarity and viewer engagement.
Meanwhile, Murphy’s talking points this season have been buttressed by strong form on the table. He opened his campaign with a resounding 5-0 victory against 14-year-old Michal Szubarczyk, a rising talent making his professional debut and a clear demonstration of Murphy’s skill and focus as he booked his place in the televised rounds of the Wuhan Open.
The debate around the spotted cue ball and other proposed reforms underlines a broader tension between tradition and modernisation in snooker. As some in the sport call for creative adjustments to attract broader audiences, others remain fiercely protective of the customs that have defined snooker for generations. Yet, voices like Hendry’s suggest space may exist for compromise, with the sport potentially piloting innovations in select events before any move to full adoption.
As the snooker world heads towards a new season, these discussions look set to continue, both on the baize and across social media platforms, with figures like Murphy and Hendry shaping the narratives about where the sport might, or might not, be heading next. Fans, commentators, and officials alike will be watching closely to see which — if any — changes are embraced, and how they might shape the future of the game.