Croquet New Zealand (CNZ) will be livestreaming the CNZ Women’s Association Croquet Invitation on its YouTube channel this weekend. While this won’t feature the usual commentary, viewers can follow along through fixed-camera coverage of the matches.
Read MoreRoundup: WCF Launches AC Regeneration Group
The World Croquet Federation (WCF) re-formed its Association Croquet (AC) Regeneration Working Group in March 2024 to address the global decline in Association Croquet participation. While grassroots efforts remain essential, the Working Group will explore potential initiatives at the global level, such as rule adjustments, digital resources and enhanced coaching materials.
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First Eight Winner Stephen Morgan
2023 USCA Selection Eights: Final Day
The final day of the 2023 USCA Selection Eights held at the National Croquet Center had key games played in both the First Eight and Second Eight. In the First, Stephen Morgan started the morning by picking up the one win he needed to clinch the First Eight title. He took care of business early with a 26tp-4 win over Sherif Abdelwahab to secure his first First Eight win. He was 8-4 overall in the event and is ranked fifth in the U.S. player AC rankings and #37 in the world. Morgan says it was his 12th year in the event and first time winning the First Eight.
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Day Three View From Court 8
2023 USCA Selection Eights: Day Three
The 2023 USCA Selection Eights worked through the third day with the the Second and Third Eights now having played 12 of the 14 scheduled games. It looks like the First Eight will be playing 12 games and Stephen Morgan is still at the top of the standings with a 7-3 record. On Sunday morning, he still has Zack Watson (5-5) and Sherif Abdelwahab (4-6) to play.
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Brian Cumming in play on day two in the First Eight
2023 USCA Selection Eights: Day Two
The 2023 USCA Selection Eights moved through Day Two yesterday and with eight of 14 games in the books for the Second and Third Eights. In the First Eight, Stephen Morgan is at the top of the standings with a 4-2 record, but Brian Cumming, Doug Grimsley and Randy Cardo are close behind at 4-3. Rich Lamm is a scratch, so that seems to be impacting the number of games played for the group.
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2023 USCA Selection Eights: Day One
The 2023 edition of the USCA Selection Eights kicked off yesterday with three groups. It’s definitely a smaller overall group than expected, with five groups of eight being more of the standard. I suspect the recent AC Worlds and next year’s GC Worlds set for October in the U.S. are having an impact. Top players might be looking to shift more playing time and travel budget to GC to prepare for next fall.
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Robert Fulford in play during the 2023 AC World Championship semifinals at Hurlingham. Photo by Andrew Moss.
Interview: Robert Fulford
In July, croquet players and fans across the world were treated to a captivating WCF Association Croquet World Championship held at Hurlingham and nearby clubs in England. Thanks to daily live streaming, fans were able to watch as England’s Robert Fulford won an unprecedented sixth WCF AC World title in a dramatic final against American Matthew Essick that went to a fifth game.
Read MoreGreat Britain Announces 2023 Solomon Trophy Team
The team representing Great Britain for this year’s Solomon Trophy competition has been announced. The USA versus Great Britain test will be held November 7-12, 2023 at the Sarasota County Croquet Club in Venice, Florida.
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Robert Fulford in play during the semifinals. Photo by Andrew Moss.
Fulford Wins Spectacular Final to Claim Sixth WCF AC World Title
Today’s WCF Association Croquet World Championship final at the Hurlingham Club in London featured a thrilling display of croquet as England’s Robert Fulford battled back from 2-0 to take a 3-2 win over American Matthew Essick by a final of 9-26tp, 9-26tp, 26tp-22, 26tp-0, 26otp-18.
Fulford had the first break in all five games but game three looked relatively bleak for Fulford as Essick set up for a sextuple finish. It did loosen up a bit as the turn progressed, but Essick was looking to end with a straight triple finish before a complication arose at 4B (H10).
Read MoreAC Worlds to Feature Essick vs Fulford Rematch
Rainy conditions at London’s Hurlingham Club didn’t slow down Mathew Essick as he rolled through his semifinal against world #1 Robert Fletcher 26tp-6, 26tp-10, 26tp-0 to advance to his third straight world championship final. Accordingly, five-time WCF AC World Champion Robert Fulford made his way through to the final to set up a repeat of the 2022 Golf Croquet World Championship final.
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