BBC snooker fans vow to ‘press mute’ when one commentator appears | Other | Sport
However, snooker have already made their opinions clear, not about what they expect to happen on the table, but rather the Beeb’s coverage. That’s because plenty have voiced concerns surrounding the decision to put Rob Walker on the commentary team for matches.
Walker is the World Snooker Tour’s charismatic emcee, and is perhaps best known for welcoming the players out into the arena. But, Walker is expected to be on the mic for some of the BBC’s matches, with fans questioning the Beeb’s choice.
Writing on the BBC website, Alexander Fullagar said: “Isn’t Rob Walker an embarrassment, not everyone has to be known by a pseudonym, and he bounces around like Zebedee. Whatever he has is obviously infectious as the lady on TNT is worse and goes into screech mode. My mute button will be on overload.”
ChrisG added: “Rob Walker was like a young kid on the televised draw this morning. I wouldn’t miss his excruciating introductions.”
Nomunnofun: “I immediately turn the sound off when he introduces the players. Cringeworthy!”
While Aggrieved mentioned: “Have to agree about Rob Walker. He is very much over the top.”
And Tom Donohue: “Entirely agree with you. Mute button at the ready. Strangely, he is much better when in the commentary box, although he still likes the sound of his own voice.”
It wasn’t all doom and gloom though, as Disquieted replied: “You’ve probably never been to the Crucible. Rob Walker is great. Go to the Crucible and you’ll probably get to meet him in the bar beforehand (as well as the likes of Dennis Taylor et al). Then he spends time with the crowd before the cameras start rolling. What you see on TV is only a fraction of his overall role.”
And Araucaria: “In fact, I was very surprised by how knowledgeable Walker was at the Winter Olympics. Couldn’t believe it was the same bloke. Credit where credit’s due.”
The action from Sheffield begins on Saturday, when reigning champion Zhao takes on Liam Highfield. At the same time, Mark Allen will begin his campaign with a match against Zhang Anda.
