Last year's event, with so many matches played before empty stands in a city having a population of about 4,000,000 dollars, was embarrassing enough. This year, Matchroom faces an even bigger issue, with an event being played in the most dangerous part of the world in a city that has almost no interest in pro pool. Honestly, it is hard to take this event seriously. Maybe we'll get lucky and it will be moved to a city that cares about pool.
I'm sure Matchroom will do what makes sense here, as they have done in the past when world events backed them into a corner. The fact they had the Mosconi during COVID was impressive. They moved it to Milton Keynes and had it played with no fans allowed, yet they did not reduce prize money. Matchroom is a "can do" organization, and if the World 9ball Championship isn't played this year, it would hurt their brand. That's why the show, it seems, will surely go on, but when and where is to be determined.
I'm sure WPA will sanction the event it even if it is played on Devil's Island.
