After the first match day of Group C of the FC Pro Open, an open race for the playoff spots is developing. Ironically, the world number 1, Nicolas Villalba, has the worst prospects.
Anders Vejrgang couldn’t understand how Nicolas Villalba became the new world number one. After his successful start in the FC Pro Open, he told the organizer: “Whoever is ranked number one is nowhere near my level. If you tell me that Nicolas is number one, then that’s a joke. It’s only because he’s playing in the South American qualifier, where most of the players are weaker.“
He then followed up with a clear message to the Argentine: ”Nicolas is so bad. I’m speechless that he’s number one. If we meet in the playoffs, I would beat him 100 percent.”
Open race in Group C
After the first match day in Group C, in which Villalba is competing, the Dane is likely to feel vindicated in his words. The Real Sociedad pro only managed to secure one victory (6-2) against vice world champion Brice Masson. All other matches were lost.
This puts ‘Nicolas99fc’ in last place – but he still has a chance of advancing. He is four points behind RBLZ pro Alihan Hadzhi. Masson (5th/5 points) and Dan Ray (4th/6 points) also remain within striking distance of second and third place in this tight constellation, which would qualify them for the first round of the playoffs.
Anas Badr has the best chance of advancing to the playoffs. The Egyptian won four of his five matches and leads Group C. If he remains at the top of the table after the second matchday, he will not only advance to the playoffs, but will also start directly in the quarterfinals – including one of the coveted tickets to the FC Pro World Championship.
The date of the next match day for groups A to C has not yet been set. The only thing that is clear is that the final stage will begin on December 8, with Nassim Dahman from SC Freiburg also taking part.