The 2.5 women have seven teams at 2-0 after one day. That isn't unprecedented, the schedule can just align to allow that, but what isn't common is there being a chance that six teams finish 4-0. In my preview/simulation there was just a 2% chance of five 4-0 teams, but that is now 15% and the chance of six 4-0 teams is 2.2%! Not likely, but the mere possibility is something I'm sure no one wants.
Texas is dominating the 3.5 men. It is the same captain that has used questionable tactics to form rosters in the past and had it work, it may be working again. Very little chance of a lot of 4-0 teams here, Texas could be the only one.
The 3.5 women are still going, but may have just two or three 4-0 teams so will we have a tie to break at 3-1? The simulation says there could be just one 3-1 team which would I think be a first.
The 5.0 men have four 2-0 teams but no chance they all remain spotless. The simulation even says one of them (Southern) might not make the semis.
And the 5.0 women also have four 2-0 teams but also no chance they all don't lose. The simulation says it could be tight for the last spot, and even a 10% chance a 2-2 team advances to the semis.
What kind of questionable captain tactics are we talking about here?
ReplyDeleteMost of the players have been 4.0 or even 4.5 in the recent past and have tanked matches to get bumped down or be able to appeal down. Throw in a few self-rates that are clearly below level and may have managed scores to avoid DQ.
DeleteThey should be subject to the ultimate penalty, being endlessly shamed and mocked by their tennis communities.
DeleteI don't disagree, but I think at this point they probably relish the negative feedback.
DeleteNot to condone this behavior, but similar things are happening with almost every team at nationals probably. When it comes down to it, many of these 3.5 players are solid 4.0s at the very least at nationals. Something obviously needs changed with the system we have in place.
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