The WCF has heard an appeal from the USCA International Committee and allocated an additional place in the WCF World Championship. The details are on the WCF website, but the spot is awarded through a guaranteed wildcard place and means the United States has effectively moved from six to seven spots.

When asked about the overall implications for selection considering the likelihood that the Solomon test would fall close to the ACWC, Martyn Selman, head of the USCA's International Committee, said, "... people's free time is limited, and some players may not be able to play in the World Championship, Solomon and MacRob in the space of six months. But, I do not know this for sure, as we have not asked for formal nomination of availability yet."

As expected though, Selman did recognize the potential opportunity for new AC talent and seemed pleased with the recent surge in interest for international play.

"It was obvious at the Selection Eights in November that the level of US croquet has never been higher - both amongst the top players and the second-ranked players," said Selman. "Enthusiasm amongst the top players is also high. So I expect that the selection committee will have a very strong group of candidates from which to select the Solomon team and ACWC players."

For those that have aspired to an ACWC selection or Solomon play, this could represent an opportune year to submit an application. Forms and deadlines have not yet been posted, but you can track this page to follow the process:

http://www.croquetamerica.com/calendar/tournaments/SelectionEvents.php