If snooker is to thrive and even survive in a competitive sporting marketplace there has to be a rethink over fining players for relatively innocent comments.
Read More'GAGGING' FINES POLICY HAS FALLEN INTO DISREPUTE
FERGUSON GETS HIS OWN BACK
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson played the diplomat in the always formal and extravagant award ceremony following the China Open final. Usually the representative of the governing body or World Snooker would take their place among the line of dignitaries on the arena floor.
But with the proceedings accorded such significance by the Chinese, and with face to be maintained, Ferguson realised that there were one too many people to be accommodated and gave up his place to make sure that the various sponsors were kept happy.
He got his own back, though – as staying in his seat in the front row meant that he could photo-bomb most of the pictures featuring the winner, runner-up, various trophies and assorted VIPs.