As we look ahead to another exciting season for the Short Mat Players Tour, we wanted to update you all on developments & improvements coming in 2019/20.
Bronze medal match
Following feedback from participants and discussions at the SMPT, it was felt that most players found it difficult to raise their game for this match following defeat in the semi-finals. We have therefore taken the decision to abandon this match in favour of both losing semi-finalists having an equal share of ranking points & prize money. Both players will also now receive a bronze medal.
Ranking points
Another evolution of our ranking points system will see greater reward for players reaching the latter stages of the Cup competitions. In events with over 193 participants, a win will now earn you 15 points instead of 10 from the round of 16 onwards. In events with participation below 193, this change will be in effect from the quarter-final stage onward. A full explanation and breakdown can be found here.
European Pairs 2020
Following the great success of this event in Belgium back in March, we had hoped to host the European Open Pairs in Scotland in 2020. Unfortunately due to time pressure and various other reasons we are unable to fulfill this for the forthcoming season. We hope to see this event back in 2021 and will continue to explore the options for an SMPT event in Scotland in the near future.
Pairs ranking OoM/World Rankings
Following a review of events and in light of the fact that we will not now be staging the European Open Pairs next season, we have decided to retire the ranking system and Order of Merit for pairs events. Whilst experimenting with this system over the previous two seasons, it was felt that just 3-4 events was not enough to justify or sustain it. Our main focus will continue to be the singles events, whilst affording you the opportunity to continue to play in a further two pairs events and of course our World Fours Masters.
Prize money
We are delighted to announce certain increases in the prize money pool awarded to players in our six main singles events and without any increase in players’ entry fees for the forthcoming season. The table below shows the four tiers of prize money awarded to players based on entries from the round of 16 onward. This of course is on top of established prizes for the top three players in the Order of Merit, Target Bowls winners, and our new entrants promotion.
Entries | < 144 | 145 – 192 | 193 – 252 | 253+ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Winner | £500 | £750 | £1,000 | £1,250 |
Runner-up | £250 | £375 | £500 | £625 |
Semi-finalists | £125 | £175 | £250 | £300 |
Last 8 | £27.50 * | £27.50 * | £50 | £75 |
Last 16 | — | £13.75 * | £27.50 * | £27.50 * |
* SMPT Voucher