Sanchez Ruiz Headlines Notable Derby City Classic Absentees

7 comments

1. Given the schedule, we're lucky to be getting any of the Europe-based stars of the game. For the elite, the Derby ends on 1/28 and always finishes in the 1:00-4:00 AM range the next morning. That means nobody can schedule a flight to Poland until 1/29 and, yes, that's cutting it a bit close when the WPC player's meeting is probably on 1/31. For that reason, it's understandable that most Europe-based players have chosen to skip the Derby, and I support them 100% in that decision.
   
   The Derby will have defending Master of the Table Fedor Gorst (who told me at Turning Stone that he'll be there), Filler, Shaw and SVB, meaning four of the world's top five based on Fargo. Still, the fields won't be as strong as they were in 2022.
   
   Some will find fault with the scheduling of the WPC, but not this fan. In 2023, there will be 30 Matchroom points events in a period of about 10 months (mid-January to mid-November). With an average of 3 Matchroom points events per month, tough scheduling issues for those who wish to compete on more than one continent will be a fact of life.
   
   On the brighter side, the Derby will be a good opportunity for some Americans to earn Matchroom ranking points on home soil.
   
   It's best to take all of this in stride.

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2. Given the schedule, we're lucky to be getting any of the Europe-based stars of the game. For the elite, the Derby ends on 1/28 and always finishes in the 1:00-4:00 AM range the next morning. That means nobody can schedule a flight to Poland until 1/29 and, yes, that's cutting it a bit close when the WPC player's meeting is probably on 1/31. For that reason, it's understandable that most Europe-based players have chosen to skip the Derby, and I support them 100% in that decision.
   
   The Derby will have defending Master of the Table Fedor Gorst (who told me at Turning Stone that he'll be there), Filler, Shaw and SVB, meaning four of the world's top five based on Fargo. Still, the fields won't be as strong as they were in 2022.
   
   Some will find fault with the scheduling of the WPC, but not this fan. In 2023, there will be 30 Matchroom points events in a period of about 10 months (mid-January to mid-November). With an average of 3 Matchroom points events per month, tough scheduling issues for those who wish to compete on more than one continent will be a fact of life.
   
   On the brighter side, the Derby will be a good opportunity for some Americans to earn Matchroom ranking points on home soil.
   
   It's best to take all of this in stride.

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3. Plenty of top players there, Alex will be there saw Gorst at Railyard Billiards in Louisville yesterday, you'll have to come with your best to beat him.

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4. Plenty of top players there, Alex will be there saw Gorst at Railyard Billiards in Louisville yesterday, you'll have to come with your best to beat him.

   Fedor is a stone-cold killer. Although he won the 10-ball at the International, he has yet to win the 10-ball at Derby City, losing twice in the final, once to Gomez and once to Filler. This might just be his year for the Bigfoot.
   
   It should be fun to watch.

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5. Many of the elite Filipino players will be there, including Efren.
   
   Are some of the top Taiwanese players expected to compete at this year's Derby?

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6. And let's not forget Derby also includes banks and one-pocket tournaments.

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7. Fedor is a stone-cold killer. Although he won the 10-ball at the International, he has yet to win the 10-ball at Derby City, losing twice in the final, once to Gomez and once to Filler. This might just be his year for the Bigfoot.
   
   It should be fun to watch.

   Guess you don't tug on Superman's cape....

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