The latest update of the official ISA World Ranking ended up with a big surprise:
Torben Hussmann (16) from Germany is the new leader in the Men’s division.
He took over #1 from Earl Ball, who has been on top of the list since its inception in January 2011. For the records: Earl was ISA’s first top ranked male player and had the lead for 36 weeks.
What was the reason for this change at the top? In 2010 Earl won both the North Carolina Nationals Singles and Doubles and placed 3rd in the Mixed tournament. That gave him many points to secure his lead.
In 2011 however, he could not repeat his success and did not place in any of the North Carolina tournaments. That means he lost all his points from 2010, as players keep their points only until the same tournament in the following year. Earl lost so many points that he is now ranked #4, while Red Rudolph gained two places to be ranked #2 followed by Henry Strong as #3.
Torben Hussmann, the new #1 player, has shown an excellent performance during the last 12 months, winning most tournaments in Germany and reaching the final of the US nationals in Lakeside, Ohio as well as the final of the ISA World Championship 2011 in Canada. He can be proud of his achievements, but it is for sure that the hunter becomes the hunted now and that the big boys are already after him.
The picture shows Torben during the ISA World Championship 2011. You might notice his little German elf named Freddie in the background…
Leave A Comment