Thank you for sharing the list. I wish the powers-that-be would learn how to alphabetize player lists in large fields like this, but still, it’s nice to see it ahead of time. A couple of names jumped out at me.
Fabio Petroni is making a cameo appearance on the tournament trail. He had stepped away from active competition, saying it just wasn’t financially doable, and instead devoted his time to teaching and pursuing other endeavors. I’m glad to see him back and look forward to sweating his matches.
Snooker pros
Gary Wilson, Stuart Bingham, and Chris Wakelin will be fun to watch. Gary is fairly strong in 9-ball, and this ain’t his first rodeo on WNT’s Shark-grey baize. Gary's got game. Bingham first made his notable Matchroom WNT appearance was at the 2023 European Open Pool Championship in Fulda, where the 2015 World Snooker Champion made his nine-ball debut and actually started strongly, winning his opening matches before eventually being eliminated. He also competed in the 2023 UK Open. I think, subject to check, this is Wakelin's inaugural WNT appearance.
Nice to see young gun
Sam Henderson in the mix. At one point, he was attending events all over the globe, usually with his mom by his side. The Hendersons have always been all in with family support, though they mentioned a year or so ago that economics meant they couldn’t travel overseas as much as they once did.
I’m a huge fan of
Raymond Linares, a passionate player who gives it his all, has personality plus, and is knowledgeable and fun to listen to behind the mic on a podcast or livestream.
Robert Hart (Kevin Hart's brother) enjoys competing on the big stage and attends quite a few events. I think pool is his high, and he seems to enjoy every minute of it.
Last but not least,
Frankie Hernandez has been attending many events around the world in recent years. He retired now, and from what my other half told me, Frankie is sitting pretty fat and able to indulge in his passion for pool. He and Keith have sparred many times in action and on the American tournament trail and remain good friends. On the table, Frankie is a pit bull who shows no mercy. Off the table, he’s sweet as can be and has that classic New York City swagger, always very stylish. Photo of Frankie and Keith at the 2003 U.S. Open below.
Love seeing the full field. I don’t think the draw of making the Mosconi Cup is quite as strong for some players as it once was due to pool politics, economics, and perhaps the sheer number of events available these days.
Yay for pool!
