…Researched and contributed by Lola Smith.
Snooker is a sport where players are allowed to wear smart attire, and many fans wonder why.
The game was first played in India in 1875 as a variation of the popular game of Billiards, which was played by the aristocracy.
Naturally, the players would dress in smart attire, but a traditional tie and suit jacket would hinder play, so minor changes were made to the dress code.
Smart trousers and a long-sleeved shirt became an official requirement for tournaments, and the tradition has stuck around to this day.
While bow ties and waistcoats were once required in all major events, rules have been relaxed in recent years, with some players even calling for complete freedom in what they wear.
Mark Allen, a snooker player, believes that snooker should adapt to the changing times and become more like other sports.
He believes that polo T-shirts are more than enough, and players should be allowed to wear nice watches or have good tattoos on their arms.
The current dress code guidelines put out by the World Snooker Federation require that shirts and blouses be clean and ironed, and only the top button can be undone.
Sponsors are also now allowed within limits on player attire, and stars can apply for lesser restrictions for medical reasons.
Stephen Maguire, for example, has a neck condition that prevents him from wearing a bow tie and was granted an exemption.
While some players may want a more relaxed dress code, others still value the tradition of smart attire in the sport.