Latest News – Page 15 – World Croquet Federation

2023 GC Under 21 Championship Ranking Places

After the response date there were 31 entries for this 32 player event.

The Management Committee have agreed the following allocation of places for this 32 person event.

Capacity = 32
Member Places	15
Ranking Places	17

Ranking Places

The 17 Ranking Places have been awarded to the following players, based on the Initial Ranking List dated 7th September 2022. This is based on their Max DG ranking over 12 months as per Sports Regulations Appendix 2, clause 2.3.

Country	Ranking Places Awarded	Max Dgrade	Games Played
England	Aston Wade	2464	157
New Zealand	Josh Winter	2350	53
USA	Blake Fields	2304	49
Egypt	Fawzy Helmy	2246	11
Egypt	Mohab Elatreby	2185	20
Egypt	Gana Mohamed Saaid	2183	44
New Zealand	Paul Kaiser	2170	36
New Zealand	Levi Franks	2168	42
New Zealand	Joel Steele	2106	72
New Zealand	Nathan Bullen	2171	65
New Zealand	Te Kiri King	2067	24
England	Albie Willett	2011	48
New Zealand	Michael Lauer	1988	50
England	Sam Cuthbert	1980	87
New Zealand	Myles Duggan	1953	17
New Zealand	James Duggan	1926	43
New Zealand	Jessica Bullen	1795	76

Member Places

Members should send the Secretary-General the names of players to be nominated for their Member Places by 22nd October 2022 at the latest. Some Members have already notified the names of their nominees - please note that these can be changed up to the above deadline. The request for entry fees and player bios will follow after 22nd October.

The number of Member Places by Country is below:

Australia	2
Egypt	2
England	2
New Zealand	5
Spain	2
USA	2
Member places available	15

Additional Players - important notice for ALL WCF Member countries
As at the response date only 31 names were put forward. It is therefore possible that after the Membership closing date of 22nd October, the event will not be full.

Therefore, ALL Members are invited to nominate new players for the replacement ranking list. This is in line with Sports Regulations:

7.4 Replacement Ranking List
The Replacement Ranking List may contain players who were not on the Initial
Allocation Ranking List provided that they have played a minimum of 5 ranked
games (AC) or 10 games (GC) in the 12 months ending on the date on which the
vacancy arises and have informed the S-G by e-mail that they wish to play in the
Event. However, if the Event is under-subscribed on or after the Closing Date, any player may be added to the Replacement Ranking List.

If, as at 15th January, we still do not have enough players to fill the event (i.e. there is no Replacement Ranking list), then we will ask Croquet New Zealand to do the best they can to find a local player (under 21), or to manage the event with a smaller field.

Withdrawals
The cut-off date for this event is 28th December 2022. There is no qualifier.

If players with a Member Place drop out before this date, Members have 14 days to nominate a replacement (or until the cut-off date, whichever is the sooner). After this, the place reverts to a Replacement Ranking Place.

If players with a Ranking Place drop out before this date, the highest ranked player on the Replacement Ranking list will be awarded the place.

After 28th December, the highest ranked player on the Replacement Ranking list will be awarded the place.

ERC Result of Young Player Survey

2022 Association Croquet World Team Championship Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3

Congratulations to the winning teams at the 2022 AC World Team Championship - Tiers 2.1, 2.2 and 3.

This event took place at the Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club, Devon, England between 9-14 August 2022.

It started with an early pre-match on 8th August between Canada and Sweden, to determine which team would compete in Tier 2.1. This was due to the previous test remaining unfinished back in 2017. Sweden were successful and so took their place in Tier 2.1 for the main series of tests.

Tier 2.1 therefore consisted of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and Wales. By the final day it was very tight between Scotland and Wales. The final test was 3-3, a tie, however, Scotland took the series due to winning more of the Singles matches.

Congratulations to the team of Duncan Reeve, Lorna Dewar, David Warhurst and Chris Martin.

Tiers 2.2 and 3 started by competing together and after 2 days were split into the 2 divisions. The 5 teams were Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, Germany and South Africa.

Tier 2.2 was won by Canada. Congratulations to Brian Cumming, Nick Mitchell, Jim Wright and Pierre Dunn.

Tier 3 was won by South Africa. Congratulations Andrew Hobbs,Nick Harvey, Judith Hanekom and Christine Wakeham.

Full results can be found on CroquetScores:

WCF AC WTC Canada v Sweden Play-off 8th August 2022
WCF AC WTC Tier 2.1
WCF AC WTC Tiers 2.2 & 3
WCF AC WTC Tier 2.2
WCF AC WTC Tier 3

Player profiles can be found on the Budleigh Salterton website - please click here

2022 Golf Croquet World Championship – Winner: Matthew Essick (USA)

The Championship was held at the Sussex County Croquet Club in the south of England between Saturday 30th July to Sunday 7th August 2022.

Click here or on the logo above to go to the dedicated Event website: gcworlds2022.org/

RESULTS

Full results can be found on Croquet Scores: 14th WCF Golf Croquet World Championship

STREAMING
A full programme of streamed matches from the Championship took place. All the footage can be found on the Croquet England YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/croquetengland

2020 Golf Croquet World Team Championship Tiers 3 – Champions Mexico

Congratulations to Mexico - Winners of the Tier 3 Golf Croquet World Championship.

This delayed 2020 event took place at the Guildford & Godalming Croquet Club between 20th to 23rd July 2022. Mexico, Portugal and Czech Republic played together with an Iran + team.

The Guildford & Godalming club looked after the players well with fast lawns, firm hoops and good food. The WCF would like to thank the club and all the volunteers who helped to make this event run so smoothly.

Mexico won with 2 wins against Portugal and the Czech Republic, and drew against the Iran team made up of Omied Hallam and some hastily convened club players who stepped into the breach when the Iranian VISAs failed to arrive in time.

Portugal came second and the Czech Republic third.

Full results can be found on Croquet Scores: 2020 GC WTC T3

August 2022 Newsletter

Watch the Championship that is taking place right now

As this Newsletter is published we are in the middle of the GC World Championship, 30 July to 7 August at the Sussex County Croquet Club, England.

Spectators are welcome for £10 per day or £25 for the week, including a programme. Follow the links below to find out more and to get up to date results, player profiles and stories as the championship continues.

Live streaming will be taking place– links can be found on Facebook or go direct to the Croquet England YouTube channel

Last week!
Last week we held the 2020 (delayed) World Team Championship Tier 3:
This event was held between 20-23 July.

The four teams competing were the Czech Republic, Iran, Mexico and Portugal.

Portugal came second and the Czech Republic third.

Full results can be found on Croquet Scores: 2020 GC WTC T3

Hall of Fame reminder
Nominations for the 2022 Hall of Fame must be received by the Secretary-General, no later than 30th September 2022. Nominations can be made by any individual or by a Member Governing Body.

Here is a link to the current members, so please don’t nominate them again!

Hosts wanted for future events
The forward calendar for the next 12 years was published a couple of months ago. Clubs interested in hosting any of our events should make their interest known via their Governing Body.

The 2022 AC World Team Championship Tier 1 (The MacRobertson Shield) is to be held at Cairnlea, Victoria, Australia, from 12-29^th November 2022.
Read Chris Clarke’s article "Early Preview" comparing the teams on the WCF website.

Coming soon – events early 2023 in New Zealand

The 2023 Women’s AC World Championship is confirmed for 7-14 January in Canterbury, New Zealand. The Response Date for this event has now passed and we are pleased to announce that the event has attracted many of the top women players. The breakdown of the 40 places, including award of Ranking Places can be found here.

The 2023 Under 21 World Championship will be held between 8 - 12 February 2023 at two clubs in Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand. The host clubs are Croquet Mount Maunganui, 45 Kawaka Street Mount Maunganui (head-quarters), and Tauranga Croquet Club, The Domain, Cameron Road Tauranga.
The event capacity is 32 players. The response date is 24th August, so get your entries in now!
Competitors must be under 21 years of age on 31st December 2022.

Other 2023 Events

The 2023 AC World Championship will take place in London, England between 15-23 July.

The GC Women’s World Championship will take place in Sussex, England between 7 -14 August.

The GC Over 50’s World Championship will take place in Bunbury, Western Australia, between 14-21 October. This will be the last Over 50’s event following a recent decision that in future the minimum age will change to 60.

European Regional Committee (ERC) - update

The ERC Forward Calendar can now be found on the WCF European Regional Committee page of the website. Hosts are sought for some of these events. Please contact Roberts Stafeckis, chair of the ERC, if interested.

Our 2022 European Champions!

European GC Open Championships: Winner Aston Wade

Aston started playing Association Croquet in 2016 during his first year at Winchester College. He later learned to play Golf Croquet at Hamptworth Croquet Club in the summer of 2020. The following year, he won the British Open at the age of 18.

This year, Aston has been gaining experience at the international level. Since winning the 2022 European Championships he has played for the England GC team in the Test Match vs Spain as well in the GC Home Internationals and the AC Home Internationals. He is currently competing in the GC World Championship at Sussex County Croquet Club.

Aston is currently studying Medical Sciences at the University of Exeter.

European GC Women’s Championship Winner: Begoña Elzaburu

Congratulations to Begoña Elzaburu, from Spain, winner of the 2022 European Women's GC Championship.

The first ever Women's European Golf Croquet Championship took place in Latvia between Thursday 30th June to Sunday 3rd July 2022.

Begoña has been playing GC for five years. Two of her sons also play, one of whom is a previous Spanish Champion. She has represented Spain several times, including at the 2019 GC Women's World Championship. Begoña works hard for croquet, being on the committee of her club, a national referee and she is also on the WCF Management Committee.

Basic Croquet Terms Translated

Ever wanted to know how to describe croquet in Swedish or Spanish? Well now you can! https://worldcroquet.org/basic-croquet-terms-translated/

2023 Under 21 GC World Championship Entry Information

The 2023 Under 21 World Championship will be held between 8 - 12 February 2023 at two clubs in Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand.

The host clubs are Croquet Mount Maunganui, 45 Kawaka Street Mount Maunganui (head-quarters), and Tauranga Croquet Club, The Domain, Cameron Road Tauranga.

Main Event
The event capacity is 32 players. Entry is free for Under 21 championships.

Age Limit

This event is only open to players who are Under 21 on 31st December 2022. The criteria is defined in section 5.1.5 of the Sports Regulations: 5.1.5 A player may compete in an Event subject to a maximum age limit if their age does not exceed the limit on the preceding 31st December.

So, anybody who is 20 or younger on 31^st December 2022 may compete. Anyone who turns 21 prior to that date, may not.

Format

The format of the Championship will be:

Block play: 4 blocks of 8 players playing Bo3 matches over 3 days. Draw attached. The top 4 in each block will qualify for the Knock-Out stage.

Knock-Out: The Knock-Out Stage will comprise 16 players, with the matches best of 3 games. The final will be a best of 5 match if time allows. Otherwise best of three.

Plate: Entry will be open to those that do not qualify for the Knock-Out Stage. It will consist of block play and matches will be single games. It will be followed by a knockout stage of at least semi-finals and finals which will consist of best of three games.

Bowl: Entry will be open to 1^st round losers in the Knock-Out Stage. It will be a knock-out event and matches will be best of three games.

Shield: Entry will be open to the quarter-final losers in the Knock-Out Stage. It will be a knock-out event and matches will be the best of three games.

Event Management:

Event Lead: Graham Roberts
Tournament Director: Geoff Young
Tournament Manager: Sue Roberts
Assistant Manager: Gretchen Benvie
Tournament Referee: Gretchen Benvie

Committee Members: Members of the organising committee are from all the clubs and have experience/expertise in event management.

The WCF Appeals Committee will be established prior to the event.

The Tournament Manager will be based at Croquet Mount Maunganui.

A Players meeting will be held at Croquet Mount Maunganui on Tuesday 7^th February.

All lawns will be available for a practice session on Croquet Mount Maunganui & Tauranga, time to be advised.

Travel, Transport, Accommodation and Catering

Players will be responsible for their own accommodation: however, the organising committee will supply information on accommodation available including backpacker, motel and hotel.

The organising committee will endeavour to provide transport for players, provided funding permits, to the Croquet Club from accommodation and back, if accommodation is between Tweed Street and Mount Hot Pools Adams Ave, Mount Maunganui. Transport will also be arranged if games are played at Tauranga Croquet Club.

Lunches will be available at Croquet Mount Maunganui or can be purchased at local bakeries.

Social programme

There will be an official opening ceremony to welcome players and officials at the Croquet Mount Maunganui on the afternoon of 7^th February at 4 p.m.. Local dignitaries will be invited to attend and a traditional Maori welcome will be arranged.

The Knock-Out Stage Draw will be carried out in public at the Croquet Mount Maunganui as soon as convenient after the completion of the block play and any play-offs.

A closing Dinner held on 12^th February for presentation to Winners.

Entry Method Main Event
Players should submit their availability to their Member Governing Body in accordance with their published entry method. Any applicants from non-Member countries should email their availability, by the response date, to secretary@worldcroquet.org.

Player Contact Info & Bios
Successful entrants should note that contact details, a photograph and a short bio for the programme, must be provided to the Secretary-General as per the published timetable.

Main Event Key Dates
Invitation Date	13/07/2022	This is the date that Members will be formally invited to send players to participate in this event.
Response Date	24/08/2022	This is the date by which Member nominations for Ranking and Wild Card places must have been received by the WCF Management Committee. Members must also specify the number of Membership Places they wish to take up and RCO's should advise if they would like to request a Membership Place.
Allocation Date	07/09/2022	The World Ranking List to be used to determine the initial allocation of Ranking Places is that published at the end of the Allocation Date.
Announcment Date	21/09/2022	MC announces recipients of Ranking Places and Wild Card Places. This is also the date that a pandemic final Go/No Go decision will be made, should it be necessary.
Closing Date	22/10/2022	This is the last date Members can nominate players for their Membership Places. Within 1 to 2 days the MC will announce recipients of Membership Places and Replacement Ranking Places.
Player Contact Info & Bios	22/11/2022	This is the latest date by which players must provide their contact details, bio's and a headshot photo. Earlier receipt is appreciated,

Pandemic
There is still some risk that travel or other restrictions arising as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic may cause the cancellation of the Event, although this is not anticipated unless the global situation changes. Players are advised that any expenditure incurred is at their own risk.

Players will be expected to comply with whatever rules the government and/or Croquet New Zealand and the host clubs have in place.

Further information about the event, including the venues, local accommodation and attractions, transport links and any other relevant information, will be published nearer the start date.

GC Country Rankings as at 30th June 2022

Position	Country	Average	Players
1	Egypt	2,552	6
2	England	2,461	6
3	USA	2,341	6
4	New Zealand	2324	6
5	Spain	2,291	6
6	Australia	2,279	6
7	South Africa	2,221	6
8	Wales	2,207	6
9	Canada	2,172	6
10	Ireland	2,045	6
11	Sweden	2,022	6
12	Switzerland	2,008	6
13	Germany	2,008	6
14	Latvia	1,963	6
15	Czech Republic	1,942	6
16	Scotland	1,939	6
17	Austria	1,916	6
18	Norway	1,862	6
19	Mexico	1,804	3
20	Finland	1,750	3
21	Belgium	2,248	1

AC Country Rankings as at 30th June 2022

Position	Country	Average Grade	Players
1	England	2531	6
2	Australia	2462	6
3	New Zealand	2455	6
4	USA	2397	6
5	Wales	2148	6
6	Ireland	2131	6
7	Scotland	2107	6
8	South Africa	1952	6
9	Canada	1891	6
10	Germany	1518	6
11	Sweden	1500	6
12	Austria	1525	5
13	Czech Republic	1468	3
14	Switzerland	1991	2
15	Iran	2168	1
16	Jersey	2114	1
17	Luxembourg	2006	1
18	Mexico	1539	1
19	Spain	1214	1

2022 European GC Women’s Championship: Winner Begoña Elzaburu

Congratulations to Begoña Elzaburu, from Spain, winner of the 2022 European Women's GC Championship.

The first ever Women's European Golf Croquet Championship took place in Latvia between Thursday 30th June to Sunday 3rd July 2022. The event was played across two venues: the Ikskile Croquet Club (IKK), Vecnorinu iela 18, Ikskile, LATVIA, where there are three full size courts, and a satellite venue in Sigulda with one full size court.

Latvia surprised the foreign players not only by perfect lawns, excellent organisation, and warm hospitality, but also by tropical temperatures of 30 degrees and above. There was not a single drop of rain during the four days of the games, although the lawns were flooded by a sudden thunderstorm just a few hours before the opening ceremony.

Among 28 players from 7 countries, 5 countries were represented by their women’s ranking leaders, Jane Morrison from Ireland being the top seeded player with DGrade just over 2000.

Spain was represented by 10 players, Latvia benefited from the host country status and was able to enter 6 players.

Players were seeded into 4 blocks of 7, and top 4 players of each block were promoted to the main knock-out. After the block stage, there were 6 Spanish, 5 Latvian, two English, two Irish, and one Swiss player among the top 16.

There have been several surprises during the Championship. Sabine Martinsone, from Latvia, won the Shield trophy having been seeded just number 19. Rocio Mato, from Spain, was seeded number 27, and finished 8th. At the same time, the third seed missed the knock-out, and the number one seed lost in the first round of the knock-out.

The first semi-final on Sunday morning between Paz Gonzalez de Aguilar, from Spain, and Michelle Leonard, from England, finished relatively early in two games in favour of Paz with 7/5, 7/6. Another semi-final between Begoña Elzaburu, from Spain, and Silvija Freimane, from Latvia, required 3 games and lasted over 4 hours before Begoña secured an all-Spanish final by beating Silvija 7/6, 6/7, 7/5.

The final match presented some high-quality croquet, however Begoña gave very few chances to her friend and opponent Paz, beating her in two games 7/4 and 7/5.

The third-place match between Silvija and Michelle was the last one to finish before the awards ceremony could start. Silvija secured a victory in two games, 7/4 and 7/6.

Another two young Latvian players, Sabine Martinsone and Tania Varsa, won the Shield and Plate trophies respectively, and the top seeded Jane Morrison, from Ireland, won the Bowl.

The Championship has contributed greatly to promotion of croquet. There have been a number of interviews on printed media, two rather long stories on television, and non-stop streaming of the games throughout the days.

The Opening ceremony was attended by three Ambassadors. The Spanish Ambassador also arrived on the final day to watch the finals and awards ceremony.

Apart from the opening and closing ceremonies, the was a river cruise on Thursday night and an official dinner on Saturday night.

According to the forward calendar of the WCF, the next Women’s GC European Championship is scheduled to take place in 2024.

Report by Roberts Stafeckis

Winner: Begoña Elzaburu from Spain, Runner Up: Paz Gonzalez De Aguilar from Spain, 3rd Silvija Freimane from Latvia, Shield Winner - Sabine Martinsone Latvia, Bowl Winner - Jane Morrison from ireland and Plate winner, Tania Varsa from Latvia.