if you're right and it will promote growth, then fine. it's an inaugural event. but wildcard picks to me, unless going strictly by ranking, is someone that either brings something morally to the team (like shaw, like billy) that increases the team's chances to win OR someone who is much better than their ranking because of various circumstances (like biado).
The Reyes Cup
- Thread starter jay helfert
- Start date
if you're right and it will promote growth, then fine. it's an inaugural event. but wildcard picks to me, unless going strictly by ranking, is someone that either brings something morally to the team (like shaw, like billy) that increases the team's chances to win OR someone who is much better than their ranking because of various circumstances (like biado).
I’m surprised Efren didn’t pick Mike Sigel! He’s always been his number 1 player. Ha ha.
I am going to assume you are feeling with your heart, because this is a terrible, horrible, unthinkable, not-so-good, bad idea!
An all Filipino team would interest nobody else in Asia. Got to grow the game by expanding market reach.
And who's to say the Philippines won't eventually go the way of the U.S.? As it gets richer fewer people might play pool and get really good.
I suppose the format could be changed later on if that were to happen, but it's always possible.
Best thing about an all Filipino team would have been the camaraderie. I just have trouble imagining Yapp, Ko, Duong and Biado giving each other a group hug or dancing on the table like the Americans or Europeans. Chua is the only one of the bunch with real personality, at least in public view.
One thing for sure, this will be a lot more competitive than the MC has been for several years now. Picking a team from all of Asia is more like picking a team from all of Europe. You could probably put together three Asian teams who would be heavy favorites against the USA, sad to say. Similar to Europe in that respect.Agree. This is more likely wild card pick by MR rather than Efren to get a big audience boost from Vietnam for the 1st year. Also Europe has "newbie" in Krause so a "newbie" (in terms of WNT experience) Duong balances both teams.
So Asia has all 5x800+ Fargo while Europe has 4x800+ and 1X800- in Krause (785). Diff between lowest -Asia (Duong) 811 higher than Europe (Krause) by 26 points. Diff between highest Europe (Filler) 12 points higher than Asia (Ko)
On paper, Asia is very slight favorite but the difference is insignificant
Comes down:
-Experience in this team format (i.e. Mosconi Cup) definitely favors Europe. Europe will be better in strategy tactics lineups gamesmanship mental game under pressure in this format. The Asia players have played WCOP , World Teams but not this long high pressure format.
-Home ground advantage favors Asia. Though can be disadvantage for Filipino players as local Filipino crowd can be demanding. Efren as captain may be added pressure for Asia as they will be expected to win Efren his own inaugural Cup
-Luck.
Overall IMHO Europe is slight favorite maybe 52% favorite But really either side can win it. Look forward to a great event
Duong is slow starter but great comeback clutch player. He may not be ready in race to 5 but am sure he can adapt
As far as an all Filipino team goes, I would make them even money against the world!
Badpenguin
Well-known member
Definitely feeling with the heart...
All Filipino vs Asia would certainly get interest, because it would mean one of the teams has all Asian (non-Filipino) players...
I think there is enough depth in the Philippines to take on any other teams the world has to offer. Talk about a dream team.
Oh, I thought you meant an all-Filipino team vs Europe. MR would never go for that, of course.
As you might know, an all-Filipino team plays regularly vs an all-Taiwan team. Philippines won this year.
I still think an all-Filipino team would be underdogs vs. both the U.S. and Europe, especially playing out the isle.
Only Biado and Lee Van have been regulars on the international circuit until very recently. Aranas and Chua are also mostly regulars now.
Quick look at the rather imperfect MR ranking show:
10)Chua
19)Raga
27)Biado
28)Feliciano
39)Ignacio
48)Corteza
49)Aranas
57)Roda
60)Regalario
One thing for sure, this will be a lot more competitive than the MC has been for several years now. Picking a team from all of Asia is more like picking a team from all of Europe. You could probably put together three Asian teams who would be heavy favorites against the USA, sad to say. Similar to Europe in that respect.
As far as an all Filipino team goes, I would make them even money against the world!
if it wasn't for the lack of MC experience i would probably have team asia favorite vs the europeans too
Yes, well said. Wildcard picks give the event producer a means of selecting players that are very marketable to raise the profile of the event. Anyone who attends the Mosconi Cup knows that Shaw is the most animated player on either side, the one that gets the crowd fired up more than any other. That makes him a very logical choice in this spot.
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Look how much it means to him. That is what pool is about!
Duong has nearly as many Facebook followers as Fedor Gorst.
That is pretty insane!