The Tempodrom layout: a rushed opinion piece
The typical snooker player is partial to the odd grumble; every silver lining has its cloud.
Mark Allen is among the tour’s less cheery cranks, and even a venue as adored as the Tempodrom hasn’t proven itself immune to his whines. His newest barbs – he has threatened not to participate in the 2019 German Masters should the tournament maintain its unique table layout – are severe and, perhaps, excessive – but his concerns are neither unique nor misguided.
The set in Berlin fatally undermines the Tempodrom’s majesty from a spectator’s perspective. The selection of matches is too broad, even for someone as hopelessly in love in with the sport as this reporter. When seated in the balcony, one’s attention is dragged back and over, hither and across by the cheers of the spectators neighbouring the tables, those close enough to prioritise a single match. More disorienting, however, is that the tables are all turned in different directions, a prime example of untidy symmetry. Why this quirk addles as much as it does is beyond explanation – but it’s too flummoxing on the subconscious to dismiss as mere pedantry.
These are minor gripes, nothing more – but small gripes left unaddressed have an uncanny knack for spoiling reputations – even one as lofty as the Tempodrom’s.
Mark Allen is among the tour’s less cheery cranks, and even a venue as adored as the Tempodrom hasn’t proven itself immune to his whines. His newest barbs – he has threatened not to participate in the 2019 German Masters should the tournament maintain its unique table layout – are severe and, perhaps, excessive – but his concerns are neither unique nor misguided.
The set in Berlin fatally undermines the Tempodrom’s majesty from a spectator’s perspective. The selection of matches is too broad, even for someone as hopelessly in love in with the sport as this reporter. When seated in the balcony, one’s attention is dragged back and over, hither and across by the cheers of the spectators neighbouring the tables, those close enough to prioritise a single match. More disorienting, however, is that the tables are all turned in different directions, a prime example of untidy symmetry. Why this quirk addles as much as it does is beyond explanation – but it’s too flummoxing on the subconscious to dismiss as mere pedantry.
These are minor gripes, nothing more – but small gripes left unaddressed have an uncanny knack for spoiling reputations – even one as lofty as the Tempodrom’s.
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journo - Posts: 18
- Joined: 01 February 2018
- Location: Edinburgh
- Snooker Idol: Ronnie OSullivan
- Walk-On: Anything by The Smiths