Competitions structured as a direct challenge or rivalry between two sides rather than an open field of entrants, covering the Ashes (a cricket test series between England and Australia), the Ryder Cup (golf, Europe versus the United States) and the America's Cup (sailing, a challenger-versus-defender match race). Belongs here: any competition whose format is fundamentally two-sided rather than a bracket or league of many entrants. Does not belong here: open-field championships with many national or club entrants, grouped under the World Cup, continental or league categories above.
Facts
Comparison
Era of Origin Defining CharacteristicThe Ashes is a Test cricket series played biennially between England and Australia. 1 Browse By
Sources
1. Wikipedia: The Ashes
WikipediaThe Ashes, 1882 origins section
The first Test match between England and Australia was played at Melbourne, Australia, in 1877, though the Ashes legend started later, after the ninth Test, played in 1882.
The Ashes, lead section
The Ashes is a Test cricket series played biennially between England and Australia.
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Ashes and the Ryder Cup a different kind of competition from a World Cup?
Their format is fundamentally two-sided, a direct challenge between two sides, rather than an open field of many entrants.
Bilateral and Challenge Series covers competitions structured as a direct challenge or rivalry between two sides rather than an open field of entrants, such as the Ashes, a cricket test series between England and Australia, the Ryder Cup, golf's Europe versus the United States match, and the America's Cup, sailing's challenger-versus-defender race. Open-field championships with many national or club entrants are grouped instead under the World Cup, continental or league categories.