By Elliott West
Introduction
Snooker has been a slow burner in Germany but in recent years has boomed thanks to a dedicated band of fans, inspired by years of watching the game on Eurosport. First launched in 1989, Eurosport aired snooker from the outset. A king pin behind Germany’s Eurosport version is the highly likeable commentator and Master of Ceremonies, Rolf Kalb, who has been there from the start, in this long and inspiring journey.
Microphone Magic
Rolf Kalb began his career as a budding journalist in the 1980s and first started writing about snooker when he was assigned a piece on a snooker club for the local newspaper where he was working at the time. In 1983, Rolf became a media officer for the German Cue Sports Federation, while still studying at university and started to fully learn about the game. An education that caused him to be hooked from the outset and became a lifelong love affair.
Without the internet, it was very difficult in the 1980s to keep up to date with snooker news and Kalb had to rely on buying English newspapers to keep abreast of information on the baize. The only trouble being that the results were several days old. He also had to ask people in the UK to record matches on videotape and send them to him so he could watch them.
When Eurosport began in 1989, snooker was a small part of the coverage due to the fact that there were far fewer tournaments than there are today. Despite this fact there was a little boom of interest in Germany, where the native language version had been introduced the same year. As the years progressed into the 1990s, snooker struggled because of the failure to have any local or regional promotion in Germany. Enthusiastic fans did attend but they were small in number.
Rolf Kalb was asked to join the German Eurosport team from its launch but his first commentary wasn’t on snooker. He did notice though that there was a fascination for the sport with an increase of people going to local snooker clubs. This curiosity has swelled over the years with a large section of the German population taking this commentator to their hearts. He is instantly recognised in his home country and respected for his extensive knowledge of snooker and other sports such as rowing.
Kalb has become the face of front of house at German tournaments, introducing the players and providing commentary at the Paul Hunter Classic, Ruhr Open and the German Masters. I have been lucky enough to meet him and see him in action. The greatest thing that impressed me was his ability to provide commentary on his own. As I leaned over the balcony to observe him, I could see his enthusiasm, translating in his body language. He looked like a child who was opening their presents on Christmas Day, joyous and jubilant.
Germany still struggles though when it comes to investment and sponsorship for the game. The few snooker clubs that there were, have dwindled over the years. Some players have made it onto the main tour but they fail to reach the latter stages of tournaments. Figures such as Patrick Einsle, Lucas Kleckers and Simon Lichtenberg represent their country but their names are not widely known and they struggle when put under pressure by their opponent.
Rolf remains hopeful though and believes that the sport will grow gradually. Feeling that the players will be produced by the clubs and for there to be a select few tournaments in Germany, preventing local fans from not attending due to monetary constraints. He also urges a national investment in the sport, allowing players to practice in Germany rather having to transfer to UK shores for more experience.
Kalb’s commentary style is unique but he clearly has influencers. Perhaps the hours of watching VHS footage of snooker rubbed of on him with the likes of Clive Everton and Ted Lowe often mentioned in interviews. Role models that he aimed to learn from.
Summary
Rolf Kalb may be currently absent from the German Masters but his presence remains in his commentary, website and interaction on Twitter. Adored by German fans, he remains an influential personality in his country and amongst the snooker community. Having recently written a book, ‘The Fascinating World of Snooker’ about the sport in his mother tongue, Rolf clearly has an extensive knowledge of the game past and present, filtering this into his commentary. A man who will be holding a microphone for many years to come.
