New Mens World Pool Ranking System for 2009

The WPA have just announced that a new ranking system for the mens world pool ranking will be launched effective from the start of 2009.

One of the key things to look at are the how an event qualifies to be part of the ranking;

The criteria adopted for an event to qualify as a ranking tournament is as follows:- a) open to all players who are members of WPA affiliated organisations;
and b) offer minimum added prize money of USD100,000.

In summary:

- Points are retained by players for 12 months or until the event is held again unless the event is not held in the following year.

- Five events so far but they're hoping for two more in 2009.

- Incentives to encourage players to play in all of the events are being finalised.

- A player MUST be a member of either the WPA or an associated body to be a part of the rankings.

From Ian Anderson (WPA President):

[In many] cases the players do not pay any entry fee, but are being offered good prize money, and to do it without even having to be a member of an organisation is no longer going to be acceptable.

- If you're not a member then you'll need to become one otherwise your points earned so far will be removed and you can't get them back even when you subsequently become a member.