Pre-Game Last 16
ELO Rankings: Jaspers the Heavy Favorite
Jaspers, the world’s No. 1 ELO ranked player, enters the match with a clear rating advantage over Tran, who sits
at No. 13. ELO favors Jaspers heavily, making him the expected winner.
Head-to-Head Stats

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Probability of Advancing
Using ELO and performance data, here’s the estimated probability of each player winning:
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Dick Jaspers: 78% chance to advance
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Tran Quyet Chien: 22% chance to advance
Match Analysis & Key Factors
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Jaspers' Strength: His superior defensive numbers and consistent high-level play make him the clear favorite.
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Jaspers scores slightly more and defends better, giving him an edge.
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Tran’s Upset Potential: He’s a dangerous player who can challenge top opponents, but he’ll need an exceptional performance.
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Pressure on Jaspers: As the No. 1 seed, the pressure is on him to deliver.
Final Prediction
Jaspers is expected to win, but Tran is no pushover. If Tran can disrupt Jaspers' rhythm and capitalize on small openings, an upset is possible. However, based on the numbers, Jaspers is the strong favorite to move on to the quarterfinals.
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Forthomme vs. Tran T.L.: Who Will Advance to the Quarterfinals?
The knockout stage continues with an exciting clash between Roland Forthomme (ELO 1526) and Tran Thanh Luc (ELO 1627). With both players fighting for a spot in the quarterfinals, this match promises to be a thrilling battle. A 100-point ELO gap suggests that Tran is the likely winner, but Forthomme will be eager to prove the predictions wrong.

What These Numbers Tell Us:
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Tran has been playing at a higher level in this tournament, improving his ELO significantly.
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He scores more (40.625 per game vs. Forthomme’s 36.88).
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His defense is stronger, conceding fewer points per game.
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His attack-defense difference (5.73) shows he creates bigger scoring gaps, while Forthomme has barely been outscoring his opponents.
Probability of Advancing
Based on ELO and current form, here are the estimated chances of winning:
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Tran T.L.: 72% chance to advance
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Forthomme: 28% chance to advance
Key Factors in the Match
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Tran’s momentum: His current World Cup form suggests he’s in great shape.
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Forthomme’s experience: He’s faced many top players and has the potential to rise to the occasion.
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Defense will be key: Forthomme must improve his defensive play to limit Tran’s scoring opportunities.
Final Prediction
Tran enters as the favorite and is expected to control the match, but Forthomme could still pull off a surprise if he finds his rhythm early. The battle will likely come down to consistency and mental strength—can the underdog handle the pressure, or will Tran continue his strong run?
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Bury vs. Ceulemans: A Battle of Precision and Strategy
The knockout stage brings us an exciting matchup between Jérémy Bury and Peter Ceulemans, two highly skilled players looking to secure their spot in the next round. On paper, Ceulemans holds a ranking advantage, but can Bury rise to the occasion and deliver an upset? Let’s break it down!
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Head-to-Head Comparison

What Do These Stats Tell Us?
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Slight edge in scoring: Ceulemans averages 0.71 more points per game than Bury, which can be crucial in a close match.
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Stronger defense: Ceulemans allows fewer points per game (34.75 vs. 35.23), meaning he tends to control his matches better.
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Better attack-defense balance: Ceulemans' 2.50 attack-defense gap suggests he dominates opponents more effectively than Bury (1.31).
Probability of Advancing
Based on ELO ratings and performance data, here are the estimated probabilities:
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Peter Ceulemans: 60-65% chance to win
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Jérémy Bury: 35-40% chance to win
Keys to the Match
🔹 Bury’s Tactical Play: To win, he needs to neutralize Ceulemans’ offensive flow and capitalize on every opportunity.
🔹 Ceulemans’ Consistency: If he maintains his usual performance, his slight statistical advantage should see him through.
🔹 Pressure Handling: Knockout games come with added tension. The player who stays mentally strong will likely prevail.
Final Thoughts
Ceulemans enters as the favorite, but the margin is not overwhelming. Bury is capable of making this a tight, unpredictable battle. If he can raise his game and disrupt Ceulemans’ rhythm, an upset is within reach.
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Sidhom vs. Merckx: A Thrilling Knockout Showdown
The World Cup knockout stage brings us an exciting clash between Sameh Sidhom and Eddy Merckx, two top-tier players battling for a spot in the next round. While Sidhom enters with a slightly higher ELO rating, Merckx’s recent World Cup stats suggest he is in top form. This match promises to be a nail-biter!
Head-to-Head Comparison

Breaking Down the Numbers
📌 Merckx’s Offensive Power: With an impressive 40.135 points per game, Merckx is currently outscoring Sidhom, making him a serious threat.
📌 Merckx’s Defensive Edge: He has allowed fewer points per game (35.00 vs. 35.64), suggesting he’s slightly more solid under pressure.
📌 Attack-Defense Balance: Merckx’s +5.14 attack-defense difference is significantly stronger than Sidhom’s +3.36, indicating he has been winning with more dominance.
Win Probability
Considering their recent World Cup performance and ELO points, the estimated probabilities are:
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Eddy Merckx: 55-60% chance to win
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Sameh Sidhom: 40-45% chance to win
Keys to Victory
🔹 Sidhom’s Experience & Precision: If he plays a controlled and tactical game, he can neutralize Merckx’s attacking threat.
🔹 Merckx’s Offensive Momentum: If he maintains his high-scoring form, he could overwhelm Sidhom early.
🔹 Handling Pressure: Knockout rounds are about mental toughness—whoever adapts better under pressure will likely take the win.
Final Prediction
While Sidhom has the higher ELO, Merckx’s recent form gives him the slight edge in this matchup. Expect a close, high-scoring battle, but if Merckx keeps his rhythm, he has a better shot at advancing.
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Tasdemir vs. Kim H.J – A Knockout Clash with Clear Favorites
The knockout stage of the World Cup presents an intriguing battle between Tayfun Tasdemir and Kim H.J. On paper, Tasdemir holds a clear advantage with stronger stats, a higher ELO ranking, and a dominant attack-defense balance. However, in a one-game showdown, surprises can happen. Let’s break down the numbers!
Head-to-Head Comparison

Breaking Down the Numbers
📌 Tasdemir’s Scoring Power: Averaging 39.61 points per game, he is one of the top scorers. Kim, on the other hand, is at 33.538 points per game, which is a significant gap.
📌 Defensive Stability: Tasdemir concedes fewer points per game (35.00 vs. 36.92), meaning he’s not just scoring well but also controlling his opponents effectively.
📌 Attack-Defense Difference: Tasdemir’s +4.61 attack-defense balance indicates a strong overall performance, while Kim’s -3.38 suggests struggles on both offense and defense.
Win Probability
Given these stats, Tasdemir is the strong favorite to advance:
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Tayfun Tasdemir: 75-80% chance to win
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Kim H.J.: 20-25% chance to win
Keys to Victory
🔹 Tasdemir’s Control & Consistency: If he maintains his current form, he should dominate the match.
🔹 Kim’s Need for a Breakout Performance: He must improve his scoring efficiency and defensive control to stand a chance.
🔹 Handling Pressure: The knockout stage can bring surprises—Kim needs to seize every opportunity if he wants to pull off an upset.
Final Prediction
With a clear advantage in all key statistics, Tasdemir is the strong favorite. Unless Kim delivers a career-best performance, it’s likely that Tasdemir will move on to the next round.
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Kim J.T. vs. Kiraz – Who Will Advance?
As we head into the knockout stage of the World Cup, Kim J.T. and Kiraz are set to face off in what promises to be a thrilling match. Based on their ELO rankings and in-tournament performance, Kim holds the upper hand, but Kiraz has proven to be a tough competitor. Let’s dive into the numbers and predict who has the best shot at moving to the next round!
Head-to-Head Stats

Breaking Down the Matchup
📌 Kim’s Offensive Edge: Kim J.T. averages 39.68 points per game, making him the stronger scorer. Kiraz follows closely with 37.615, but he will need to step up to match Kim’s consistency.
📌 Defensive Control: Kim allows 35.21 points per game, showing better control over his opponents compared to Kiraz’s 36.77. This slight defensive advantage could be crucial in a high-pressure match.
📌 Attack-Defense Balance: Kim has a +4.47 attack-defense difference, proving that he’s been consistently outscoring his opponents. Kiraz, with only +0.85, has had much closer games, meaning he could struggle if Kim builds an early lead.
Win Probability
Based on these stats, Kim J.T. is the clear favorite:
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Kim J.T.: 65-70% chance to win
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Kiraz: 30-35% chance to win
Keys to Victory
🔹 Kim’s Fast Start: If Kim can establish a strong early lead, his superior scoring ability will put Kiraz under pressure.
🔹 Kiraz’s Defensive Adjustment: He needs to tighten his defense and force Kim into tough shots.
🔹 Handling the Pressure: The knockout stage is all about performing under stress—whoever keeps their nerves in check will have the edge.
Final Prediction
With a better attack-defense ratio, higher ELO rating, and superior scoring stats, Kim J.T. is the likely winner. However, Kiraz is capable of an upset if he finds his rhythm and forces Kim into a scrappy battle.
Will Kim’s firepower prove too much, or can Kiraz rise to the challenge? Let’s find out!
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Karakurt vs. Tran D.M. – Who Has the Edge?
As the World Cup knockout stage heats up, Berkay Karakurt and Tran D.M. are set to clash in a match that will determine who moves on to the next round. Looking at their stats, Tran appears to have a clear advantage, but anything can happen in a high-stakes game. Let’s break it down and see who is more likely to advance!
Head-to-Head Stats

Key Matchup Insights
📌 Offensive Power: Tran D.M. has been dominant in scoring, averaging 39.455 points per game, significantly higher than Karakurt’s 36.32. This gives him a strong edge in offensive play.
📌 Defensive Control: One of the biggest differences in this matchup is in points conceded. Karakurt allows an average of 37.10 points per game, while Tran D.M. keeps his opponents at just 30.09, showcasing much stronger defensive play.
📌 Attack-Defense Balance: Tran D.M. has a staggering +9.36 attack-defense difference, while Karakurt is in the negative at -0.78. This suggests that Karakurt struggles to outscore his opponents, while Tran D.M. has been dominating both ends of the table.
Win Probability
Based on the stats, Tran D.M. enters as the clear favorite:
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Tran D.M.: 75-80% chance to win
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Karakurt: 20-25% chance to win
Keys to Victory
🔹 Karakurt’s Defensive Adjustment: He must find a way to slow Tran’s rhythm, forcing him into uncomfortable positions.
🔹 Tran’s Continuation of Form: If Tran maintains his high scoring and tight defense, he will be hard to beat.
🔹 Handling the Pressure: A knockout game always brings mental challenges—whoever stays composed under pressure will have the best shot.
Final Prediction
With superior scoring, defensive strength, and a strong attack-defense difference, Tran D.M. is the heavy favorite to advance. However, if Karakurt can break Tran’s momentum early, an upset is still possible.
Can Karakurt pull off a surprise, or will Tran’s dominance continue? The battle is on!
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Thai vs. Blomdahl – A Tight Battle Ahead!
The knockout stage of the World Cup presents an intriguing matchup between Thai and the legendary Torbjörn Blomdahl. While Thai has a higher ELO rating (1716 vs. 1579), the match looks much closer when diving into the key statistics. Let’s analyze their chances of advancing!
Head-to-Head Stats

Key Insights
📌 Offensive Output: Thai scores slightly more points per game (37.11) compared to Blomdahl (35.828), but the difference is minimal.
📌 Defensive Control: Thai concedes 37.43 points per game, which is higher than Blomdahl’s 35.72. This suggests Blomdahl is slightly better at limiting his opponent’s scoring.
📌 Attack vs. Defense Balance: Neither player has a strong attack-defense differential. Thai sits at -0.31, meaning he allows more points than he scores, while Blomdahl is just barely in the positive at +0.10.
Win Probability
This is one of the closest matchups so far, but based on form and consistency:
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Blomdahl: 55-60% chance to win
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Thai: 40-45% chance to win
Keys to Victory
🔹 Thai Needs to Tighten Defense: Allowing more points than you score is a tough formula for winning. Thai must step up his defensive play.
🔹 Blomdahl’s Experience: A veteran of the sport, Blomdahl knows how to handle high-pressure knockout games. His composure could be the key factor.
🔹 Who Starts Stronger? In a match this tight, momentum will be crucial. The player who gains early confidence could take control.
Final Prediction
While Thai has a higher ELO, Blomdahl’s slight defensive advantage and experience in big matches give him a slight edge. Expect a close, tactical battle, but Blomdahl is the slight favorite to advance!
Will the veteran move forward, or will Thai pull off a statement victory? Let’s find out!