Mosconi/Reyes/WPM rankings

[sjm]

I'd much rather see the return of the World Cup, with all the two player teams. That was exciting and far more competitive. The MC has become a wish and a prayer for Team USA. My prediction, 11-3 Euros.

In my opinion, a de facto version of the World Cup of Pool emerged at the recent Bali 10ball event a few weeks ago in the form of the inaugural WPA Men's Doubles 10ball Championship. The event, which was very entertaining, was won by Team Spain, FSR and Alcaide, hardly a surprise given that they came first and third respectively at August's US Open 9ball.

 

[Kris_b1104]

In my opinion, a de facto version of the World Cup of Pool emerged at the recent Bali 10ball event a few weeks ago in the form of the inaugural WPA Men's Doubles 10ball Championship. The event, which was very entertaining, was won by Team Spain, FSR and Alcaide, hardly a surprise given that they came first and third respectively at August's US Open 9ball.

Also not surprising due to them winning the World Cup of Pool in 2022.

 

[SA96]

Emily at the Phillipines Open did say the World Cup was coming back.

WPA/Predator events don't feel like major events.

The World Cup needs to be promoted by Matchroom.

 

[jbart65]

In my opinion, a de facto version of the World Cup of Pool emerged at the recent Bali 10ball event a few weeks ago in the form of the inaugural WPA Men's Doubles 10ball Championship. The event, which was very entertaining, was won by Team Spain, FSR and Alcaide, hardly a surprise given that they came first and third respectively at August's US Open 9ball.

Matchroom dropped the ball with this one. Predator seized the advantage.

Problem is, the Predator matches are too long. There is still an opening for Matchroom with a shorter, tighter format.

I do think a reimagined WNT World Cup would need a losers round or a format in which one loss doesn't mean a team is out.

In fact, copy from the actual World Cup. Invite 32 teams per usual. Segment into quads of four. Each team in a quad plays each other once. The top two teams in each group advance to a knockout stage of 16 teams in single elimination.

One point for a win in group stage, none for a loss. In case of ties, won-loss percentage in racks is the top tie breaker.

A 16-team invitational, with quads in the first stage, would also work if MR wanted a shorter event. Top 2 in each quad get to the final 8 for the single elim stage.

 

[sjm]

Matchroom dropped the ball with this one. Predator seized the advantage.

Problem is, the Predator matches are too long. There is still an opening for Matchroom with a shorter, tighter format.

I do think a reimagined WNT World Cup would need a losers round or a format in which one loss doesn't mean a team is out.

In fact, copy from the actual World Cup. Invite 32 teams per usual. Segment into quads of four. Each team in a quad plays each other once. The top two teams in each group advance to a knockout stage of 16 teams in single elimination.

One point for a win in group stage, none for a loss. In case of ties, won-loss percentage in racks is the top tie breaker.

A 16-team invitational, with quads in the first stage, would also work if MR wanted a shorter event. Top 2 in each quad get to the final 8 for the single elim stage.

Agreed. A lot of good ideas here and I'd love to see them pursued, but I think many of us loved the Matchroom WCOP just as it was.

 

[jbart65]

The old format was fine, but I wasn't crazy about the one loss and out part of it. It's also a big disincentive for players to travel these days, given the cost, unless the WCP is tied to another big event.

On the other hand, 32 teams in a single elimination format is as easy as it gets.

 

[uk_9_ball_convert]

Unfortunately this conversation is a moot point in the reality of the Mosconi Crap.....oops I mean Cup.

The only real question is how big a slaughter will it be this year. It could get very ugly, like 11 zip!

I'd much rather see the return of the World Cup, with all the two player teams. That was exciting and far more competitive. The MC has become a wish and a prayer for Team USA. My prediction, 11-3 Euros.

Personally I'd like both things to exist. Doesn't need to be an either/or/. Do think there would be a lot of demand for the return of the pool world cup.

 

[sjm]

The old format was fine, but I wasn't crazy about the one loss and out part of it. It's also a big disincentive for players to travel these days, given the cost, unless the WCP is tied to another big event.

On the other hand, 32 teams in a single elimination format is as easy as it gets.

Even one and done used to pay a decent amount and there was no entry fee, so the event was, for many, a free roll. The last WCOP, if memory serves, was the 2023 event, played in the same venue as, but in the subsequent week to, the WNT Spanish Open in Lugo, Spain.