I'll try to "defend" the Europeans once again.
Why can't the various parties involved come to a reasonable compromise so that everyone wins?
The pricemoney has dropped 50 % from last year
We're in a worldwide recession. The money for a more generous prize fund simply isn't available.
The tournament is not sanctioned
Unless there's another 14.1 championship being sanctioned this year, why not sanction this one? It's better than nothing at all.
The day before the event starts they still play Eurotour Austria Open. Then they need to travel to USA, minimum 12 h flight + 6 h time difference.
The day after the 14-1 they have to be in Manila to play the World Cup of Pool. That's 12 hours travelling + 12 h time difference.
I would love to see how many Americans who would travel to London or another European city with a schedule like that, for a tournament that is much less attractive than anyone thought it would be just months ago...
No question that schedule is grueling. Can't the 14.1 championship be scheduled for another time?
The bickering between the various parties is silly. The sole purpose of the WPA should be to look out for the best interests of the players and stop this petty squabbling.