There certainly is no shortage of quality events available to the world’s top players these days. From World Nineball Tour (WNT) events to Predator Pro BilliardSeries (PBS) events and, yes, to World Pool Association-linked events. Of course, it’s a shame players can’t play in them all, but that’s an editorial for another day.

(Wait a second. That may have already been an editorial. Or two. Or three. But I digress.)

But I’ve argued before that while all these events are great, very few of them are part of any grander plan for expansion and — dare I say it? — outside industry sponsorship. Most are one-offs. And while that’s fine, there is no end game. Sure, you’ll get the requisite response: This event is increasing visibility; this event is drawing in new fans; this event is allowing players to make a living.

Fine. But I want more. I want a plan.

I’ve also argued recently that the only entity with a scripted plan in place for real growth and for a greater potential for meaningful partnership is the WNT model, which includes a built-in aspirational element for players and market expansion into growth areas. (And, again, this is not Matchroom fanboy talk. It is about the plan, not the company.)

Nowhere was this more evident than at the recent Reyes Cup in Manila. To some, the event was merely an Asian-centric version of the Mosconi Cup; a one-off itself.

In truth, the Reyes Cup has the potential to widen the net for all of pool, finally connecting the dots between the U.S., Europe and Asia, pool’s biggest and most fervent global markets. It’s a chance to duplicate the 12-month competition and news cycle that is the Mosconi Cup. The Asian pool community — perhaps the most important and potentially most impactful — now has something to follow from January through October. Now they can obsess over player points and potential wildcard selections all year long. And now the players can ratchet their games up even more in the chase for those valuable Reyes Cup points, which in turn means more importance in playing in every WNT tournament. Don’t think for a minute that doesn’t have the potential to move the proverbial needle on the WNT’s grand plan for a sizeable, lucrative and desirable “pro tour.” This rising tide can lift all boats.

Let’s face it: It’s a real live business and marketing plan. There is something to chase for all parties, and global pool will be the beneficiary.

It’s part of a plan that makes sense. Now, if only we could get the rest of the sport to understand that and find a way to pull in the same direction.