A look into the performance of Western teams during their first game at Club Nationals (2004–2012).

Photo Credit: Jeroen Verbaas, unsplash.com

Intro

There is a theory that is always discussed at Nationals in Sarasota. Are West Coast teams at a disadvantage playing games at 9:30 AM local time when their bodies think it’s 6:30 AM?

Take a list of the biggest Round 1 pool play upsets at Club Nationals from 2004-2012 based on my Elo ratings. Notice a trend?