Maybe the players are chatting to each other in the lobby,public or via P.M.& not ready to play,and just because players aren't playing,it doesn't mean they have to leave the room.

 what i tend to do if there are no challengers in the billiards/snooker rooms,i pop into practice room :).

maybe you picked the wrong time to play,but...if i see you in lobby,i will be more than happy to play you :) .best wishes,Lizzy.

I don't think so.  A lot of times, just after I cancel the challenge, they accept a game from someone else.  I see this in other games also.  So odd.

i agree seems big boys to good for us little folks

I know the answer.  I too have the same problem. I find that  it has to do with ratings for some reason.  I can challenge players that are way, way above me in ratings and they don't accept but will accept games from other high rated players.  I can challenge a "0" rated player like me and they almost always accept.  I would think that a high rated player would like to play a low rated player knowing that he's probably going to win. Ratings mean nothing to me.  I play them all regardless of rating just to have some fun.  It seems like the high rated players take this game seriously for some reason.  It's just a game.  Win or lose.  Who cares?