Seeding: Seeding is a process by which good teams are fitted in fixture in such a way that stronger teams do not meet each other in earlier rounds. This seeding method is only possible if the standard of the teams is known before hand. This method is applied to keep up the interest of spectators alive till the last match. On account of their previous performances these teams or players are kept in separate halves. Further, it is well known in advance that some of the top ranking players or teams are generally drawn in fixture in such a way that they are fitted straight away into the quarter finals. This is known as special seeding method. Though this arbitrary method of drawing fixture may be felt as unfair it is desirable to keep the interest sustained in the tournament.
Example: Fixture
Seeding: Number of teams = 11; Bye = 16 - 11 = 5 byes
So, 4 seeded teams shall be given byes and 5th bye would go to any other team.
Special Seeding:
Number of teams = 20; Teams in each quarter = 20/4 = 5 teams
(Last year semi finalists are given special seeding or 4. top rankings.)
