2016 Mosconi Cup – Fortunski wins in Italy to head MC ranking

Miesko Fortunski is yet another in a long line of Polish players to make an impact in Europe as he won the Italian Open on the Euro Tour last week to take the early lead in the 2106 Team EUROPE Mosconi Cup rankings. The young Pole defeated seasoned vet Ralf Souquet who is himself looking to make his record-equalling 17th appearance in the annual Europe v USA 9 ball challenge.
 
Other high finishers were two-time Mosconi Cup winner Nikos Ekonomopoulus and Jayson Shaw who both reached the semi-finals. Shaw has made his Mosconi Cup intentions clear this year by competing in the opening qualifying event. Niels Feijen and Mark Gray were also in the points as was Konstantin Stepanov, a Mosconi Cup winner in 2007.
 
There will be three separate ranking lists with the top player in each ranking gaining an automatic spot on Team Europe for the 23rd annual Mosconi Cup which takes place at the Alexandra Palace, London from 6th to 9th December.
 
The first ranking will comprise the nine European events – ‘European Ranking’; the second will be the three WPA international events – ‘World Ranking’; the third will be made up of all 12 events – ‘Combined Ranking’.
 
 
1. Mieszko Fortunski (POL) -                         50
2. Ralf Souquet (GER)                40
T3. Nikos Ekonomopoulos (GRE)    30
T3. Jayson Shaw (SCO)               30
T5. Niels Feijen (HOL)                  23
T5. Mark Gray (ENG)                   23
T5. Nick Malai (GRE)                   23
T5. Konstantin Stepanov (RUS)           23
T9.  Eight players                            15
 
Due to an irregular points being attributed for the Derby City Classic, below is the revised Team USA ranking after five events. 
 
Ranking after five events
 
1. Oscar Dominguez      68
2. Rodney Morris                       57
3. Shane Van Boening             50
4. Shaun Wilkie                 48
5. Mike Dechaine                         38
6. Hunter Lombardo      37
7. Skyler Woodward    33
8. Scott Frost                    24
T9. Brandon Shuff                       20
T9. Junior Jueco               20
 
For full rankings go to www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup
 
Mosconi Cup tickets are available from www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup/#tickets