If, after the above, countries are still tied, equal ranking is given and they are listed alphabetically.
Regarding the donation of tables, if countries are still tied, the 2008 World Rankings of Nations will be used.
That brings to over 40 000 euros (over US $ 55 000) the amount spent on players and federations for the World Cup. Apart from the tables being donated and the travel packages allocated to individual players,
World Championships winners in each category will be awarded a total of 36 World Championship Series (WCS) packages so they can attend WCS events during the 2009 Tour. Each time, packages will be awarded to World Championships winners who are not members of the federation awarding the package, so that players are encouraged to attend other WCS events than the one taking place in their country.
More information on the types of donated tables and WCS packages will be given to players before the start of the competition.
FYI, in 2007 the grand total allocated to players (travel packages and prize money) was 25 000 euros; and nothing to federations.
This year, the main idea has really been to allocate the prize money more fairly and in a way that makes more sense, in order to make sure that "grass root" table soccer can grow at the same time as high-level competitive table soccer. We have to make sure that these 2 aspects of our sport are not be opposed, and can evolve side by side.
We intend to keep going in that direction in the future.
Also, if tests conducted on tables for players with disabilities enable us to include a Disabled Singles category at the World Championships ending the 2009 Tour, then the winner of that category in each WCS event will also qualify automatically for the World Championships, and be entitled to a travel package.