Four-time women’s world champion Allison Fisher has heavily criticised this year’s amended format for the WPA Women’s World 9-Ball Championship, which is staged as part of the Predator Pro Billiard Series.
Predator revived the tournament last year in Atlantic City after a four-year absence from the calendar, and opted to change its format this time around from race-to-nine racks to a more unique set-play format.
Fisher defeated two-time champion Han Yu in her opening match but back-to-back defeats to Chihiro Kawahara and Chen Chia-Hua meant that she was unable to qualify for the single elimination phase in New Zealand.
The Duchess of Doom addressed her concerns via social media following her campaign, speaking out against the set-play format as well as a some additional matters.
“The question is do I grow old gracefully or speak up for what I believe to be true having been around a very long time fortunately?,” Fisher began in a Facebook post to her 51,000 followers.
“As much as I appreciate what Predator is doing for women’s pool, I can’t possibly support this format for a World Championship.
“It’s fine for a sponsor to format their own events, no problem, but please don’t hurt the integrity of the sport in a World Championship. This is a first, races to four, nine on the spot, winner breaks, sub-par referees, one referee for every four tables.”
Meanwhile, Emily Duddy, one of the USA’s four representatives in New Zealand, echoed Fisher’s concerns, voicing that players merely want a ‘fair match’ after travelling thousands of miles across the world.
“We cannot say anything to them in the form of feedback or criticism or risk disqualification,” she expressed. “We fly around the world and spend thousands of dollars to compete and have a lot going against us for a fair match. It is truly frustrating and disappointing.
“We also pay a $750 entry fee which never used to be the case in a world championship and we are treated like it’s a privilege bestowed us. Rather it is something we have earned and are paying for. It feels like our voice doesn’t matter. We have to get into the top 16 to make any money which is very difficult given the situation.
“On top of bad racks, the refs were many times not watching the gap for the nine ball and the nine counted on the break and in the bottom two pockets. I saw multiple sets determined by a nine on the break in a bottom corner which was the fault of the ref.“
The Women’s World Championship semi-finals take place on Saturday in Hamilton, New Zealand, with 2017 champion Chen Siming taking on Chihiro Kawahara and Kristina Tkach facing Rubilen Amit.
One Comment
Professionals are adept at what they do. They should also adapt themselves to the rules of the competition which are applied to every competitor fair & square. If you lose, no sour graping as it makes you look immature.