CHINESE TAIPEI Blue is guaranteed a place in the semifinals of the 2026 William Jones Cup regardless of its finish in Group A, a tournament format that has drawn criticism from some local fans.
The eight-team men’s tournament is divided into two groups.
Group A features Chinese Taipei Blue, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines, while Group B consists of Chinese Taipei White, Jordan, Malaysia and the United States.
Under the format, Chinese Taipei Blue will automatically advance to the semifinals, while the best-performing team among the other three teams in Group A will claim the second semifinal berth from the group. The top two teams from Group B will complete the final four.
The format means Chinese Taipei Blue could finish last in Group A and still advance to the semifinals, prompting criticism from some fans who questioned the competitive fairness of the arrangement.
According to Taiwanese sports outlet Sports.Ltn.TW, the tournament format was partly designed to give Taiwan’s national team more opportunities to face strong international opponents and prepare for future competitions, including the Asian Games.
The Basketball Association’s new management also reportedly faced financial and manpower challenges when organizing this year’s Jones Cup. International teams generally need to be invited months in advance, making last-minute arrangements difficult.
The association said the schedule was also influenced by suggestions from local fans. As a friendly tournament, the Jones Cup is intended not only to determine rankings but also to provide Taiwan with quality games against different styles of competition.
Chinese Taipei Blue are facing Japan, South Korea and the Philippines twice in the group stage before potentially meeting the top two teams from Group B in the knockout round.
While the format allows Chinese Taipei Blue to gain additional games against strong opponents, it also gives the host nation’s main team a clear advantage over the other Group A teams, which must earn their semifinal berth through their results.
As a result, only one semifinal spot is available among Japan, South Korea’s Wonju DB Promy and Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas in Group A.
Wonju DB Promy currently leads the race for that berth. (Adrian Co)
