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GENERAL RULES
? The general rules of play will be the same as for standard league matches with regard to start times, venue, table allocation etc.
? The KO Cup will be held on allocated weeks, as per the fixtures schedule.
? As with League matches, an additional ?2 match fee will apply per player, per fixture for the duration of their stay in the competition, with the exception of the final. All match fees are to be paid prior to the relevant fixture commencing.
? Please see the Payout Structure for prize information. All prizes are subject to entries and players? table fees being paid on time.
SCORING
? Matches are to be played as ?first to 6 frames? but, as with tennis, if the score reaches 6-5, one further game is played. If the leading player wins this game, he wins the match 7-5. If the trailing player wins the game, the score is tied at 6-6 and a tiebreaker frame is played. The winner of the tiebreak frame wins the match by a score of 7-6.
HANDICAPPING SYSTEM
? The following handicapping system will be applied for all KO Cup Matches:
PREMIER PLAYERS ? START ON -2
DIVISION ONE PLAYERS ? START 0
DIVISION TWO PLAYERS ? START ON +2
This means, for example, if a Premier player draws a Division Two player, then he starts on -2, while the Division Two player starts on +2.
? All first round losers will be entered into the KO Plate Competition which will run alongside the main event, as per the fixture programme.
DRAWS
? Each round will be drawn, at random, by the Organisers, after all previous round matches have been played. Table allocations will also be done, at random, following the draw.
? Should any player leave the league and not complete their fixture programme while still in the KO Competition, their next opponent in the competition will receive a BYE.

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I don't think the handicap system is fair... There are plenty of capable players in all divisions...

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I think Paul is probably right but presumably the format is here to stay and over time the divisions should be roughly balanced in line with the handicaps. The only other way to do it would be for a committee to handicap each player individually, which would also lead to arguments.
Hughie should be -6 though.

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I thought this may spark a debate...

The idea of the handicapping was to give the lesser players a chance too, otherwise it may end up just being an all Premiership KO very quickly.

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It'll be the luck of the draw I guess.

I don't fancy giving the likes of John Hoy a 4 game start in a race to 6.

When is the draw being done?

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That was partly the idea of adding in the tennis score bit. So, using Miq's example:
Miq -2
John +2
Miq would have to win 8 games before John wins 4.
Not exactly the same as a 4 headstart to 6, where John would only have to win 2 to win.
If it finished as 6-5 (either way), there'd be one more frame. If the leader won that, it's 7-5 win. If the trailing player won, it'd be 6-6, so there'd be a final tiebreaker frame, the winner of which wins the match 7-6.

We did toy with the idea of it being -1, 0, +1 but over distance, that didn't seem enough as all it would take is one break/dish from a Premier player to make it evens again. By having 2, it slightly favours the weaker player, making more to play for all round, otherwise there's a danger Division 2 wouldn't even bother.

As Miq says, it is the luck of the draw...

Talking of which, I've done it already and will be posting it here when I get time but I'll have details with me tomorrow night too. (more paperwork for you all to lose!)

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I'll the handicap run throughout the competition or just first/second round?

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It'll be throughout the competition.

(that's the intention anyway)

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That made me laugh!

You make it sound as though we do it all the time - or as if none of the Div2 players will do it. The league hasn't sorted itself out properly yet so I think its too early to be giving players 50% start based on divisions.

I understand where you're coming from but I think its too much, especially considering the actual personnel involved. In order to win 6-4 I have to win 8 frames to 2... I can't even do that against Shane! :cry:

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That's a fair point. I think -4, -2 and scratch would have been fairer.

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I would suggest 0, +2, +3, race to 7. Why take the chance on being beaten to a negative score? Also, why a tiebreaker? What would be different from a final odd numbered frame? It would be interesting if we could come up with a way to share advantage in a frame, as in a tennis tiebreaker though...

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I just want my 2 pence in, but I don't agree or believe there should be no handicap in any type of competion in any of the Croydon leagues or tournments. Not saying that I am, but if I was in Div 5 and playing against a top Div1 player, it would be give me great insentive to beat that player and prove myself.

Any player, not matter what div they are in, can beat anybody on their day, even over say a best of 13.

There is allot of great players in this league that can beat everyone on their day.:D:

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I must say that I agree with Ally - We have had a singles knockout in the CDPL for years with no handicap...
It really should be luck of the draw - lets face it - you get drawn against a top player 'nothing to lose' syndrome takes over and you could play out of your skin... That said you could get your butt kicked too!!
Same applies for those at the top - they still have off nights and have all lost to a less capable opponent at some point...
The change in rules were quoted as "being a real leveller" - that should be all the lesser opponent requires then!

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Granted, the CDPL has had a KO Comp for years. When was the last time it was won by a lower division player? Yes, World Rules could be considered by some to be a leveller but realistically, they're not.

This is the first KO Comp the CSL has had, so we agreed last night to run with the current handicap format. If it works, great. If it doesn't, then we'll change it next time.

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So where can I put a bet on John to win the KO cup?

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I was in a singles league at JFK's a few years back & it was handicapped & as always some are dealt a good hand while others not so....end of the day the better players are in the top div & they should give the players in lower divs a start - of course Mark Miller & John Hoy have a good chance of winning it, but give the format a chance as it is all new

Emdee what price you looking for son (And don't be silly with your request) & how much you willing to stake

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I'll bet you your decency son - oh wait a minute. :bite:

On a serious note, I said that to make the point that it's not particularly fair. I certainly won't gamble on the outcome of an event that I'm playing in.

Even though Mark or John clearly have an unfair advantage...