 December 22, 2001 Europe 1 - 12 USA In the most one-sided Mosconi Cup of its eight year history, the United States lifted the trophy after hammering the Europeans 12 -1 to leave the event finishing a day early. In the final match Johnny Archer and Nick Varner, who ironically were the only US losers of the tournament, dispensed with the World Champion and European No.1, Mika Immonen and Ralf Souquet 5 - 1 to leave the sizeable US contingent in the crowd chanting the familiar York Hall refrain of 'USA, USA!' Commented winning captain Earl Strickland, who hoisted the coveted Mosconi Cup for the second time in his illustrious career, " I'm very aware of the fact that we had a lot of the breaks over the last three days and the Europeans didn't but that is the nature of the game and I make no excuses. I'm honored to be captain again because this is really the only team event when you represent your country. My players were outstanding throughout and full praise to them. I'm sure I've got a few more good years left in me but I hope that when I'm old and grey and watching the Mosconi Cup, I'll be thinking that I was part of that great event." Johnny Archer, who shot the winning 9-ball for the third time said, "That was the best team ever; we really stuck together and Earl's captaincy spoke for itself." The final word went to the oft-defeated Euro skipper Ralf Souquet; " Winning the Mosconi Cup is my target in life.That's my dream having been defeated seven times. Despite our poor performance I'd like to thank my team mates and congratulate the Americans. One year we've got to win the Mosconi Cup." Souquet / Immonen 1 - 5 Archer / Varner All tables at the Mosconi Cup were provided by Brunswick, cloth by Simonis, racks by Sardo and balls by Aramith |