2008 World Croquet Championship

The 11th WCF World Association Croquet Championship will be held in Christchurch, New Zealand

80 players from 24 countries will be competing for the title world croquet champion.

When?

2^nd to 10^th February 2008.

Where?

The championships will be held at six croquet clubs in Christchurch, New Zealand.

These clubs will provide 23 lawns for the event.

Who are the favourites?

The current World Champion is South African Reg Bamford and the current World Number one is Robert Fulford from England. Reg beat Robert in England in 2005, but Robert has won the most World Titles.

Could a NZ player win?

Absolutely. The first ever World Championship was won by New Zealander Joe Hogan in 1989. New Zealand wil have over a dozen competitors with Aaron Westerby (ranked 7) and 19 year-old Christchurch player Paddy Chapman (ranked 16) being the most likely contenders.

What is the format?

80 players in eight blocks of ten will play between the 2^nd and 5^th February. The top four players from each block will qualify for the last 32 knockout with losers entering the plate. The last five rounds of the knockout will be played at United with the best of five final being held on Sunday 10^th February

What is the prize?

The winner will be presented with the Wimbledon Cup. This was presented to the World Croquet Federation by the All England Lawn Tennis Club in recognition of the part croquet played in the club's long history.

How much does it cost to watch?

Great news, it's free! Seating will be provided at all clubs and programmes can be purchased so that you can learn the rules, keep track of the scores and follow your favourite players. Lunches and teas will be available for spectators to buy.

Which countries will be participating?

The World Croquet Federation currently has 27 members.
The following countries are likely to be represented in 2008:

• Australia (full member)
• Canada (full member)
• Czech Republic (observer)
• England (full member)
• France (observer)
• Germany (associate member)
• Ireland (full member)
• Isle of Man (associate member)
• Japan (full member)
• Jersey (observer)
• Netherlands
• New Zealand (full member)
• Scotland (full member)
• South Africa (full member)
• Spain (associate member)
• Sweden
• Switzerland (associate member)
• USA (full member)
• Wales (associate member)

The following WCF members will not be represented.

• Austria (associate member)
• Belgium (observer)
• Egypt (full member)
• Finland (observer)
• Guernsey (observer)
• Italy (full member)
• Norway (observer)
• Palestine (observer)
• Russia (observer)