...and what it may say about the state of American pool.
Entering the knockout stage of the WPA world 9B championships, we have 64 remaining players representing 26 different countries. After a quick examination of this list of final round participants, we can easily see that this is one of the strongest and most comprehensive collection of world class pool talent to be gathered in one location.
It is probably no surprise that the Philippine contingent is 11 strong, by far the largest. But the Philippines aren't the only Asian pool powerhouse these days; Taiwan brings 7, Japan 5, and China 4 into the single elimination stage. And of course we can't forget about the Europeans. The UK and the Netherlands each have 4 finalists, while Germany and Italy have 3.
But as impressive as this collection of players is, it is equally surprising to see only 1 American in the final field - SVB. I am completely shocked and baffled.
I realize the time difference, the expense of travel, the limited number of pre-qualified spots, all make this event a difficult one for Americans to play. Furthermore, I recognize the fact that some players from other countries may receive financial support from their governments which gives them a definite leg up. But still, I would have thought America could & would produce more than 1 finalist out of 64.
As for what this may mean for our chances in the current and/or future Mosconi cups? Well...it's not good. Consider the following:
European countries produced 26 finalists in this year's W9B Championships including all 5 members of the 2013 European Mosconi cup team. Furthermore, only 1 player from the past 5 European Mosconi cup teams failed to qualify into the final stage of this year's world 9B championships (and he happens to be on the pro Snooker tour).
It's hard to accept these numbers at face value. As an American, it's difficult to believe that we have fallen so far behind the world in a game that is so very much "American" in both history and culture.
I sincerely hope it is the time difference, travel expenses, and not an accurate reflection of the state of American Pool.
...or Maybe (hopefully) I'm just missing something.
Entering the knockout stage of the WPA world 9B championships, we have 64 remaining players representing 26 different countries. After a quick examination of this list of final round participants, we can easily see that this is one of the strongest and most comprehensive collection of world class pool talent to be gathered in one location.
It is probably no surprise that the Philippine contingent is 11 strong, by far the largest. But the Philippines aren't the only Asian pool powerhouse these days; Taiwan brings 7, Japan 5, and China 4 into the single elimination stage. And of course we can't forget about the Europeans. The UK and the Netherlands each have 4 finalists, while Germany and Italy have 3.
But as impressive as this collection of players is, it is equally surprising to see only 1 American in the final field - SVB. I am completely shocked and baffled.
I realize the time difference, the expense of travel, the limited number of pre-qualified spots, all make this event a difficult one for Americans to play. Furthermore, I recognize the fact that some players from other countries may receive financial support from their governments which gives them a definite leg up. But still, I would have thought America could & would produce more than 1 finalist out of 64.
As for what this may mean for our chances in the current and/or future Mosconi cups? Well...it's not good. Consider the following:
European countries produced 26 finalists in this year's W9B Championships including all 5 members of the 2013 European Mosconi cup team. Furthermore, only 1 player from the past 5 European Mosconi cup teams failed to qualify into the final stage of this year's world 9B championships (and he happens to be on the pro Snooker tour).
It's hard to accept these numbers at face value. As an American, it's difficult to believe that we have fallen so far behind the world in a game that is so very much "American" in both history and culture.
I sincerely hope it is the time difference, travel expenses, and not an accurate reflection of the state of American Pool.
...or Maybe (hopefully) I'm just missing something.
