The highly anticipated draw for the 2023 World Cup of Pool has been completed, setting the stage for an enthralling tournament. This prestigious event, organized in partnership with The Asociación Gallega de Billar Pool (AGP), Xunta de Galicia, and EIDF Solar, will take place at Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo, Spain. Fans around the world can catch the action live on various platforms, including Sky Sports, DAZN, and Viaplay. The tournament will run from June 27th to July 2nd, showcasing the best pool players from different nations.
Hosts Spain Take on the Philippines in the Opening Round
The draw has set up an exciting clash between hosts and defending champions Spain and the Philippines in the opening round. Spain, led by World Nineball Tour number one Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and two-time World Pool Masters David Alcaide, are the bookies’ favorites at 9/2. They will face a tough challenge from James Aranas and Johann Chua, who are looking to secure their fourth World Cup of Pool victory. Adding to the anticipation, Spain also has a second side consisting of Jose Alberto Delgado and Jonas Souto Comino, who will take on Saudi Arabia in Round 1.
Clash of Titans and Emerging Contenders
The 2023 World Cup of Pool promises captivating matchups and intense rivalries. Three-time champions China enter the tournament as an unseeded side and will face Syria’s Mohammad Soufi and Zaid Al Shariti. Austria, a two-time winner, presents a formidable duo in Albin Ouschan and Mario He, who will be challenged by Australia’s Justin Sajich and James Georgiadis. Another noteworthy debut in the World Cup of Pool is Myanmar (Burma), represented by the SEA Games gold medalists, as they go head-to-head against Canada’s John Morra and Alex Pagulayan.
Thrilling Encounters to Look Forward To
The draw has also set up several exciting matchups between renowned teams. Great Britain’s Jayson Shaw and Elliott Sanderson will take on Qatar’s Bashar Hussain Abdul Majeed and Ali Al Obaidli. The USA’s Shane Van Boening and Skyler Woodward will face off with South Korea’s Seo Seoa and Kang Lee in what promises to be a thrilling battle. With each match carrying immense significance, the players will leave no stone unturned in their quest for victory.
Full Draw in Seed Order
The complete draw for the 2023 World Cup of Pool, listed in seed order, is as follows:
- Spain (1) vs Philippines
- USA (2) vs South Korea
- Germany (3) vs New Zealand
- Austria (4) vs Australia
- Great Britain (5) vs Qatar
- Poland (6) vs Serbia
- Greece (7) vs Singapore
- Chinese Taipei (8) vs Finland
- Netherlands (9) vs Hong Kong, China
- Syria (10) vs China
- Albania (11) vs Peru
- Kuwait (12) vs Vietnam
- Hungary (13) vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Canada (14) vs Myanmar (Burma)
- Japan (15) vs Italy
- Spain B (16) vs Saudi Arabia
Check out the Match Schedule here
Outright Odds and Excitement Building Up
As the tournament approaches, the anticipation among fans and enthusiasts is reaching its peak. The bookmakers have laid out the outright odds for the teams participating in the 2023 World Cup of Pool.
- Spain – 9/2
- USA – 11/2
- Austria 6/1
- Chinese Taipei – 8/1
- Germany – 8/1
- Albania 9/1
- Great Britain – 20/1
- Greece – 22/1
- Saudi Arabia – 25/1
- Philippines – 25/1
- Kuwait – 25/1
- Hong Kong, China – 28/1
- Poland – 28/1
- Netherlands – 28/1
- Vietnam – 28/1
- Finland – 28/1
- Singapore – 33/1
- China – 40/1
- Japan – 40/1
- Canada – 40/1
- Syria – 50/1
- Spain B – 50/1
- Qatar – 66/1
- Hungary – 80/1
- Italy – 80/1
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 100/1
- Serbia – 100/1
- South Korea – 100/1
- New Zealand – 200/1
- Peru – 200/1
- Australia – 200/1
- Myanmar (Burma) – 200/1
An Event Beyond the World Cup of Pool
The 2023 World Cup of Pool will be played alongside the 31st Galician Team Pool Billiards Championship, creating a fantastic atmosphere for pool enthusiasts. The Pazo de Ferias y Congresos de Lugo will be abuzz with over 1,000 players competing across more than 40 tables. This grand event, considered the biggest in Europe, will witness players from various nations competing for regional titles and prizes organized by the Galician Association of Pool Billiards.
The Spanish Open Pool Championship and the Road to the World Cup
Before the World Cup of Pool commences, many players competing in the tournament will take part in the inaugural Spanish Open Pool Championship. This signature Matchroom multi-table event, featuring a 256-field, has been a thrilling affair. The final of the Spanish Open Pool Championship will take place on June 25th, with Marc Bijsterbosch of the Netherlands set to face Dang Jin Hu of China in what promises to be a captivating showdown.
World Cup of Pool 2023 Bracket
Excitement Unleashed: Get Ready for the Action
The 2023 World Cup of Pool is set to be a spectacle of skill, precision, and passion for the game. Pool enthusiasts from around the world are eagerly awaiting the thrilling encounters that lie ahead. With a mix of seasoned champions and emerging contenders, the tournament guarantees breathtaking moments and surprises. So mark your calendars, gather your friends, and prepare to witness the world’s best pool players battle it out for glory.
FAQs:
The 2023 World Cup of Pool will take place at Pazo de Feiras e Congresos de Lugo, Spain.
The opening matches of the 2023 World Cup of Pool will start from 1pm CEST on Tuesday, June 27th.
The defending champions are Spain, who won the previous edition of the World Cup of Pool.
Spain, USA, Austria, and Chinese Taipei are among the favorites to win the tournament.
Yes, the 31st Galician Team Pool Billiards Championship will be played alongside the World Cup of Pool, bringing together over 1,000 players competing for regional titles.