Refereeing Clip No.7

[seshadri]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zJlCs7k6rI

I don't agree with either Malcolm or the refs on this call. IMO , it's a Let.

[getmeinahalfpipe]

My first thought was no let, until I saw it again and actually noticed Gaultiers volley actually comes fairly deep and towards the T. It's very hard to see depth from the back of the court, but I'd give a let (at the very least). These things happen so fast and the players can get almost everything back: the ball didn't nick, so a no let seems harsh if that was the decision.

[seshadri]

The decision was Stroke to Palmer

[Hob Nob]

I can see why thats a stroke, the ball comes out a very long way & appears to be sat up easily for Palmer.

It's one of those calls thats a harsh stroke, or a harsh let, depending on perspective.

[gmandleydixon]

Not all that easy to see how far it came out but Palmer hit Gaultier wothout giving him a chance to get out of the way. No doubt in my mind, it's a let

[seshadri]

Not all that easy to see how far it came out but Palmer hit Gaultier wothout giving him a chance to get out of the way. No doubt in my mind, it's a let

That's exactly how I too saw it-- a clear case of a blocked exit. Gaultier had enough time to clear, but Palmer denied him the space to move out. It would be a Stroke only if the ball came back too quickly for Gaultier to escape. That's not the case here.

[off the wall]

Agreed.

Yes let, as Gaultier had no chance to gte out of the way - indeed he was pushed the opposite way, into
the ball.

Palmer is being forceful because he knows if the ball is tighter from Gaultier, he will block it
and Plamer will struggle to get a let the "fair" way. So he uses his size and strength to make it look
more like a let, to counteract Gaultiers block.

[boastnick]

I dont buy this blocked exit idea. He has to allow Palmer a direct route to the ball from wherever Palmer is coming. It was an awful shot by Gaultier and his only way to definitely avoid a stroke was to move extremely quickly either front right or back left. He wouldn't have wanted to do either as that would have presented Palmer with an easy winner and so he stood his ground hoping for a let. Correct decision.

[NMC8]

The more i watch it the more i see it as a stroke.

It also proves how hard it is to make quick and accurate decisions at the top level for refs as it has taken me many viewings to get to a decision i am comfortable with.

Being honest my initial reaction was let.

nmc8