Snooker fans across the UK and beyond found themselves in disbelief on December 28, 2025, as Channel 5 abruptly cut away from the dramatic climax of the British Seniors Open final. The highly anticipated match at Vaillant Live in Derby featured two of the sport’s most revered veterans: Joe Perry, fresh off his transition to the seniors circuit, and the evergreen Jimmy White, still dazzling at 63. But just as Perry was on the verge of claiming his maiden British Seniors Open crown, viewers were told the broadcast would be switching to NFL coverage. The Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers suddenly took center stage, leaving snooker enthusiasts scrambling for answers—and a new channel.
The decision to cut the snooker final at such a critical juncture, with Perry leading 6-5 in a best-of-seven format, sparked a wave of outrage on social media. Fans didn’t hold back. One viewer fumed, “Shocking decision from Channel 5 not to continue broadcasting the final of the British Seniors Snooker. Currently 6-5 in a first to seven. If this is what we are going to get in the tournaments they are showing in 2026, it doesn’t fill me with much optimism.” Another echoed the confusion, saying, “I’m here on Twitter trying to find out who won. Was watching it myself and didn’t realise they had cut the broadcast.” For those who managed to catch the conclusion on Channel 5 Action, the victory had already been sealed—too late for many to witness the final moments live.
Joe Perry, 51, ultimately secured a 7-5 victory, capturing his first British Seniors Open title and pocketing a £20,000 prize. His composed performance in the deciding frame denied White the chance to force a nail-biting black ball shootout. For Perry, the win was especially sweet, coming after his retirement from professional snooker earlier in 2025. He had announced his departure from the main tour following the World Championship, but the lure of the seniors circuit proved irresistible. His journey to the final wasn’t a walk in the park—he dispatched pre-tournament favorite Stuart Bingham and the formidable Matthew Stevens en route to the showdown with White.
White, meanwhile, demonstrated why he remains a fan favorite decades into his career. At 63, he showcased all the skill and grit that have defined his snooker journey. His route to the final saw him overcome Alfie Burden, clawing back from a two-frame deficit, after previously dispatching Ken Doherty. White’s resilience and flair kept the crowd—and viewers at home—on the edge of their seats, as he threatened to pull off another famous comeback. But Perry’s steady hand in the last frame closed the door on White’s hopes, securing a well-earned triumph.
The abrupt broadcast cut wasn’t just a minor inconvenience—it became a flashpoint for a much larger debate about the priorities of sports broadcasters. For many, the decision to switch from a homegrown, tradition-rich event like the British Seniors Open to an American football game felt like a slap in the face. As one exasperated fan put it, “Just found it on channel 32. But it’s finished!!!” The sense of frustration was palpable, with many questioning whether snooker—especially at the seniors level—could ever get the respect it deserves from mainstream networks.
Channel 5’s move to prioritize NFL Big Game Night, featuring the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, over the conclusion of a British sporting institution, raised eyebrows and tempers. While American football’s popularity has grown on UK screens, especially with the NFL’s concerted push into European markets, the timing of the switch couldn’t have been worse for snooker devotees. The decision left many wondering about the future of snooker broadcasting, particularly as networks juggle international sports rights and scheduling conflicts.
Perry’s victory, though, is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. After stepping away from the professional circuit, he proved he still has what it takes to win at the highest level among his peers. Reflecting on his path to the title, Perry’s triumph over Bingham and Stevens demonstrated his ability to navigate both pressure and expectation. The £20,000 payday was a fitting reward for a player who’s given so much to the sport over the years.
For White, the defeat was disappointing, but his performance throughout the tournament reaffirmed his status as a legend of the green baize. His ability to rally from behind, especially against younger opponents, continues to inspire both fans and fellow players. At an age when most athletes have long since retired, White’s competitive fire burns as brightly as ever. His run to the final, highlighted by his comeback against Burden and solid win over Doherty, showed that age is just a number when it comes to snooker’s grand old men.
The controversy surrounding the broadcast overshadowed what should have been a celebration of two snooker greats battling for glory. The incident has already sparked calls for networks to reconsider their approach to scheduling, especially when it comes to live sports with unpredictable endings. Fans have urged broadcasters to provide clearer guidance on channel switches or, better yet, ensure that major finals are shown in their entirety on the main channel. As one viewer lamented, “Was watching it myself and didn’t realise they had cut the broadcast.” The lack of communication only added to the sense of frustration and disappointment.
As the dust settles, questions linger about the future of snooker on television. Will networks learn from this episode and prioritize the sport’s loyal fanbase? Or will the lure of American football and other international programming continue to edge out traditional British sports? Only time will tell. For now, Perry’s victory stands as a bright spot amid the controversy—a reminder that, even in the face of broadcast blunders, the spirit of competition endures.
With the British Seniors Open final now in the books and the debate over broadcast priorities raging on, snooker fans are left hoping for smoother coverage in future tournaments. One thing’s for sure: the passion for the game remains undiminished, even if the viewing experience sometimes falls short.
