 December 20 - 23, 2001 Bethnal Green SIX YEAR’S IS A LONG TIME TO WAIT but there is a very strong feeling within European pool that the Mosconi Cup is finally coming home after such a long period of total American domination. Taking place at the fabled York Hall, Bethnal Green from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd December, the Mosconi Cup pits six-man teams from the USA and Europe in what is the world of pool’s answer to golf’s Ryder Cup. Televised live by Sky Sports, the Mosconi Cup will also be watched across the country by millions of pool fans in homes, pubs and clubs. In addition, promoters Matchroom Sport subsequently syndicate the event as 20 one-hour programmes to over 70 countries across the globe. The American team sees two changes to the side that won last year. Out go the nervy Michael Coltrain and out-of-form Shannon Daulton to be replaced by rising star Charlie Williams and Nick Varner who has twice lifted the Mosconi Cup as captain in 1997 and ’98. Earl Strickland will again be in charge of the team and he will be joined by US Open champion Corey Deuel, four-time Mosconi veteran Johnny ‘the Scorpion’ Archer, and the rock-solid Jeremy ‘Double J’ Jones. In the blue corner for the Europeans will be captain Ralf ‘the Kaiser’ Souquet making his seventh Mosconi Cup appearance. Steve Davis and Steve Knight will be carrying British hopes and back in the team is Marcus Chamat (Sweden) who proved a real hit with the Bethnal Green fans last year. Reigning World Champion Mika ‘the Iceman’ Immonen of Finland plays and the new kid on the block is the Terminator Niels Feijen (Holland) who has had a fantastic season, winning big money around the world. Now in its fifth year in East London, the packed, boisterous crowds at the York Hall have always played a part and this year it could be crucial. Commented Euro-skipper Ralf Souquet, “ I have played in tournaments all over the world; the United States, Europe and the pool-crazy countries of the Far-East but the atmosphere at the York Hall is quite unbelievable. The crowds are passionate about the game and for players it can be tough. I know of one player whose nerves have been shot to pieces by two appearances at the York Hall. This year, though, we are all confident that it will be a glorious Sunday night for the Europeans and I feel sure that the crowds will play their part.” Once again, tickets for the event are free and available from the York Hall or Matchroom Sport
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