Thailand is the next country on Alexis Canter's 2016 global tour, joined by Finn Bass and Alastair Gray, who are all seeded. Alexis could make the top 50 if he reaches the quarters, which he is seeded to do.
Alexis does have a point with the flight costs being reasonable. Although when you take into account the lengthy flight, the time difference, and extra nights accommodation prior the tournament to acclimatise it really is more expensive than local tournaments.
I'm sure Kazan or Heathrow to Croatia would be far more cost effective!!!
Alastair's win meant the exit of the highest seed so far. His quarter-final is against someone with a very strong record in the 'stans but without great success elsewhere up to now, though his two wins here have been comprehensive.
QF
(3) Yuta Shimizu (JAP) v (6) Alexis Canter
(10) Alastair Gray v (4) Khumoun Sultanov (UZB)
They're chasing points for short term goals. Looking at the acceptance lists for the next few weeks Alexis, Alistair and Finn are continuing to globe trot... Rather than play the G1 & G2's that are practically on their doorstep like Ryan, Ewan and Max.
Don't know if it has any relevance but Ryan, Ewan and Max all train or have trained overseas.
I can't imagine such globetrotting can be helping their development and we're short enough of good young senior guys and junior boys. Seems pretty crazy stuff.
