First off, I am now fully operative online with a new laptop so thanks for bearing with me over the last fortnight and apologies again for the poor coverage of this year’s Masters at Alexandra Palace.
But with that comes further news that hopefully will not effect the running of SnookerHQ too much but something that I certainly feel the need to make aware to readers.
At the turn of the New Year I got offered a job in South Korea, which I have since accepted.
This means that, from mid-February, I will be jetting off to the other side of the world for 12 months.
As much as I wouldn’t like there to be any, this will of course have some implications to the overall running of this website.
With Seoul being nine hours ahead of Irish time, the daily report of the day’s action will probably become a thing of the past.
Instead, I will more than likely turn my attention towards previews and general comment and analysis.
Despite the change, I don’t expect the productivity to alter too much, or indeed be reduced – apart from maybe the first couple of weeks when I have to sort out internet connections, etc – although the times that articles are published might be a little bit inconsistent.
A big aspect of SnookerHQ is its coverage of the Irish scene – that’s not going to change!
Thankfully, I have had the support of CrossGuns Snooker Club owner Fin Ruane and Irish international Johnny Williams over the last couple of years and they are going to continue to help provide excellent coverage of the game in the country.
I’ll also be keeping a very close eye on the development of the Irish scene.
The major change will arise from my inability to go personally to tournaments like the World and UK Championships, Masters, UK PTCs (if they remain) and PTC Grand Final, which I realise by being there adds extra insight for fans.
However, it’s not all bad. By being in south-east Asia, I now have the unique opportunity of potentially experiencing an event in China – where the sport’s growth is arguably most prevalent at the moment.
By all accounts, I’ve been informed from various sources that there isn’t much of a snooker scene in Korea but I’ll keep my ear to the ground and perhaps there’ll be something interesting to blog about over there.
With that, all that remains to be said is a heartfelt thanks for all the readership since the website was launched in May 2011 and I hope that I can continue to produce worthy content for all the regulars and newcomers in the year to come.
David Caulfield
SnookerHQ
Wish you all the best with your new job in Korea..Snooker not so popular there but pool is. We welcome you that now you closer to us in Asia and China snooker is booming indeed . I think in future snooker will be dominated by Asia If you see that England sending talented youngsters to tournaments in Serbia but they have to pay all the cost themselves . Look at the IBSF Wolrdchampion women delegation in Sofia very poor only 1 contester because the snooker association had no money to pay the trip. Compare this to countries India Hong Kong Thailand all more far away from Sofia with a team of 3-4 ladies and then you know it the future will be in Asia
Thanks for the best wishes. Asia is definitely becoming the key market for the sport, as well as mainland Europe. Hopefully public interest can be reinvigorated in Thailand with the current batch of players coming through.
Wow! Wonderful, exciting twelve months to come! Enjoy every moment, never waste any time moaning (if temptation be) for this might be a year to remember and tell stories about, years later – it’s only up to you. European events are being reported from cover to cover, I for one can’t wait for your Asian event comments. Delighted for you, David, and best of luck with everything!