Holden Mcgroyne wrote:What's Huybrechts done to warrant a PL place ? Do his antics suit the PL atmosphere better ? Gurney even getting a mention is a joke.
The Pear's fast-paced style and aggression fit the event perfectly, as does his nationality. It is only a non-ranking exhibition after all.
You can break it down though - Baz retweeted somebody saying that Suljovic didn't want a wildcard if offered, so that ruled him out. 9 out of the world's top 10 are in, with Suljovic opting out. Looking down the rankings for a 10th player, you find 11 Smith and 12 Thornton who were in it last time and have both had a rotten season so are not an option. Then Kim is 13th so it makes sense by that measure too.
Gurney has actually had a great season. Euro Tour final, last man to beat MvG, all topped off by a Worlds quarter-final, also a TV semi-final at the very end of 2015. Along with Benito, he is one of the most improved players on the tour and the 14th highest earner this season.
I think they would like to do a wacky pick like Reyes or Dimitri but they are afraid of some poor lad getting battered week in week out on what is a shockingly competitive aggressive tournament.