Nick Metcalfe snooker column: Could this be the greatest season of them all?

Nick Metcalfe snooker column: Could this be the greatest season of them all?

 

 

There is a feeling in the air right now across the green baize and red balls — one that whispers we might just be witnessing the greatest season in the history of the sport. And let me say this: in all my years covering snooker, I’ve seldom felt anything like it.

First off: the standard of play. It’s not just that players are better — they’re far more consistent, attacking and resilient. The margins are thinner, the escapes more beautiful, the big breaks more frequent. As I’ve noted before, this escalating standard is one of the game’s most exciting dynamics. When you have that many players playing at elite level week-in, week-out, you’re in a season that feels historically significant.

Then there is the narrative. We have seasoned champions still dominating — stalwarts proving age is no barrier — while at the same time emergent stars breaking through. The old guard and the new wave colliding. I’ve written about how the younger generation simply shouldn’t be written off — and yet here we are, watching them chip away at the summit. The result: a depth of competition that ensures no tournament feels predictable and every event carries meaningful stakes.

Not to mention the monumental milestones. When legends of the sport continue to raise the bar — so many centuries, unforgettable barrier-breaking performances, and new records being set — it amplifies the sense of importance. For example, players reaching major achievements later in their careers only adds to the story. Add the fact that maximum breaks aren’t quite as rare anymore — because excellence is universal now — and you have a season rich in spectacle and surprise.

But what really makes this season feel candidate for “greatest ever” is the combination of all these factors: the depth, the stories, the standard, and the accessibility of brilliance. When every round, every match has intensity; when champions are tested and young challengers loom; when fans are witnessing that rare blend of artistry and athleticism — that’s when a season becomes special.

Of course, caveats apply. There’s always a “could” and “if” in sport. Whether it will ultimately go down as the greatest may depend on what happens in the biggest contests — the majors, the defining moments. The climaxes still lie ahead, and sometimes that’s where seasons fade or cement themselves. But at this moment, I think we can legitimately say: yes — this has the makings of something historic.

And so to the players: relish it. To the fans: soak it in. Because seasons like this don’t come around often. If you’re a fan of our weird and wonderful sport, you might just be sitting front-row for something extraordinary.