Jason Francis has replied forcefully to criticism surrounding the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship after last week’s event at the Crucible Theatre became overshadowed by controversy.
The tournament, ultimately won by Ronnie O’Sullivan, generated significant backlash after one of the match tables was deemed unplayable during the last-16 clash between Matthew Stevens and Dominic Dale.
The issue later had a knock-on effect for defending champion Alfie Burden and 2024 winner Igor Figueiredo, with the pair’s fixture subsequently relocated away from the main arena and played on a low-key practice room table instead.
Several players and fans voiced frustration with the handling of the situation, with criticism intensifying across social media in the days that followed.
But Francis has now defended the decisions that were made while also condemning personal abuse directed toward him online.
In a lengthy post on X, the World Seniors Snooker Tour chairman wrote: “Been off socials for a week as had a great team on this page and seniors pages… but jeepers some of you would think I’d murdered someone.”
“Apologies have been made to players so let’s put that one to bed. Also if that’s a broom cupboard you’re gonna need a lot of brooms.
“Anyone who knows anything about a suspended floor, a snooker table over a ton in weight and literally no time to let it settle can sometimes have an issue.
“This was a terrible situation but the practice room table was good, families and friends attended, players got 45 minutes notice, and it was the same conditions for both of them.
“Players are right to be disappointed and upset – I was both. But only I was in possession of ALL the facts and that was the call that had to be made.
“I would do it again, and it would have made no difference whoever was playing.”
Francis also praised the efforts of the fitters and staff involved in staging the tournament, while defending the Riley tables that were used during the event.
The controversy emerged midway through the competition when concerns first surfaced regarding Table 2 at the Crucible.
Former Masters champion Stevens and two-time ranking event winner Dale were visibly frustrated as balls repeatedly reacted unpredictably during their match, leading to play eventually being suspended.
The situation subsequently escalated when Burden’s clash with Figueiredo was moved to a practice room table, prompting criticism from the reigning champion after his 4-0 defeat.
“To say I’m disappointed would be a huge understatement,” reigning Shoot Out champion Burden said on X.
“[I] don’t remember feeling this low after a snooker event. I wasn’t in the mental state of mind to play that match in a practice room, to be honest.”
“I was in a state of shock at what was unfolding. Literally heartbroken.”
Burden later claimed that he had not been given the option to postpone the fixture until the following morning and expressed regret that he had not refused to play.
The 49 year-old was due to take part in this week’s Snooker 900 Global Championship, which is also promoted by Francis, but he has since pulled out of the tournament in Reading.
Others within the snooker community also questioned the organisation of the World Seniors Snooker Championship, meanwhile.
Criticism was directed at various places, including a lineup that included top-ranked players like O’Sullivan, the white table cushions, and a shot clock that directly led to Nigel Bond’s exit to the competition during a black-ball shoot out.
Other reactions, though, became increasingly personal toward Francis and the event organisers on social media.
Francis insisted that the abuse directed at him and his family had crossed the line, arguing that many critics were commenting without understanding the full circumstances behind the decisions that were taken.
“And finally to the trolls,” Francis continued. “Some of your comments about me have been disgraceful. I note some from people who claim to have their own mental health issues.”
“When you are calling me a c***, when you are attacking our event with untruths that suit your narrative, did you ever think about my mental health or how my family feel reading all your insults?
“If you don’t like me, if you don’t like my events, if you don’t like the fact I am providing competition to WST, then don’t come, don’t watch, and don’t follow.”
Despite the controversy, the tournament itself still attracted considerable attention thanks to its broadcast across the 5 platform in the UK and on Pluto TV in other regions.
O’Sullivan’s participation in the seniors event for the first time, though somewhat controversial too, was also a major contributing factor to the mainstream attention it garnered.
The seven-time world champion completed a successful debut campaign by beating Joe Perry in the final to capture the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship crown.
Even so, discussion in the aftermath has continued to focus heavily on the problems that overshadowed large parts of the week in Sheffield.
Featured image credit: 5
The old saying “ You can please all of the people some of the time…” etc etc, is exacerbated nowadays with the trolls on social media. The trick is to ignore them as you would ignore the loony in the pub.
The Seniors competition was great entertainment and I’m sure enjoyed by 99% of snooker fans.