Alex Lely has announced his decision to step down as European captain for the annual Mosconi Cup after an undefeated three years in the role.
Lely took over from predecessor Marcus Chamat almost three years ago following two successive wins for the American team, with the Dutchman restoring the European dominance during his tenure.
He has now taken the decision to step aside and allow someone else to take up the illustrious role, revealing his intentions to continue his coaching in the USA as well as commentary on both pool and snooker.
The 1999 World Pool Masters winner and former European champion posted on social media: “It’s been a great run, finished with an amazing edition in Las Vegas.
“The intensity I experienced in this one, I will probably never go through again. It was the best one for me. But it ends now. A three-year run is good I feel, the fans get to see a new face, the players get a new input.
“I am happy to have had this chance from Matchroom and feel honoured how these champions have trusted me with their technique and other challenges.”
A new captain will take over the helm for the 2023 edition held on home soil, with former vice-captain Karl Boyes and three-time MVP Niels Feijen amongst the rumoured candidates.
LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES. 29th Nov, 2022. Pre-event green screen during MOSCONI CUP 2022 at Bally’s, Las Vegas, USA on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 in LAS VEGAS NV.Credit: Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
Team USA and Team Europe clashed at the 2022 Mosconi Cup press conference with less than 24 hours to go until the two sides lock horns at Bally’s Las Vegas live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain, Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics and Poland and networks worldwide.
USA captain Jeremy Jones came out fighting when reflecting on what the home crowd can expect from his side ahead of the opening team match at 11 am local time tomorrow: “I feel great. My nerves are going but I wouldn’t have it any other way. The guys have had a great few days and they’re improving every single day. The foundations are the most solid I’ve been on. When it comes to doubles play these guys mix well. They respect each other. Everybody is held accountable and they understand it. We have one goal in mind.”
Jones will be assisted by Skyler Woodward as playing vice-captain this week and he hopes to lean on the two-time MVP for support: “Skyler is a big spirit in our team and he’s been a big part of the last few years. There are certain minds that sort of get it. You’d be ignorant to not ask what Skyler Woodward thinks. The home crowd means a lot they will embrace it. It won’t always be easy. It’s good we have the better half of 2,500 on our side. I don’t see it too much more difficult here in Las Vegas to London. We’ve been on one mission all year and that’s to come here and win the cup.”
“Last year we got into a great position and we let a few things get away. This year, we plan to get in that position again and have a better outcome. We’ve practiced the lag, we understand it better as a unit. The lag doesn’t look as meaningful this year but certainly, it’s important still and it’s something we’ve addressed,” Jones added.
Woodward said: “It truly is an honour to be playing vice-captain. It makes me want to prove myself more and show that the USA can still compete. I try to bring the team together we’re six guys but I’m just trying to make us one. I’m not going to let anybody get down, I will push everyone and try to get everyone to win their matches, that’s just the kind of guy I am.”
Alex Lely will lead Team Europe for a third straight year and acknowledged his team is full of big characters that he needs to control: “Any coach on either side will give 100% depending on the team and the set of players you have to focus on different things. They’re a handful and it’s enjoyable but they’re five champions and you have to find a way to make them bond and mix well. There are a couple of veterans who have been around. I can get back to the same things for certain things in my third year. There’s a backbone in the team.
“The team has looked sharp from day one. The downside is they’ve been traveling and playing a lot but the upside is they’re sharp. The pockets are tight. I think it helps them. If you’re playing on tight pockets you have to focus. I think because of that they’re looking sharp and focused.”
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz is set to make his Mosconi Cup debut in a glittering year that saw the Spaniard snap off the US Open: “It’s like a dream to be here at the Mosconi Cup. I am going to give everything for sure. It’s been an incredible year but to be honest I’ve only been thinking about tomorrow. It’s amazing to play alongside David Alcaide, to play together is going to be the best experience of our lives.”
There was a sharp focus on the tension between American legend Earl Strickland and Team Europe playing vice-captain Jayson Shaw with the pair trading blows on a variety of points. Strickland paid compliments to the tighter 4-inch pockets: “I will say one thing about this event that makes it a level playing field is the equipment. It’s the most difficult I’ve ever seen. If these guys over there (Team Europe) think they will make very shot, they’re fools.”
Shaw interjected to his side will make every ball before Strickland fired back to say he wouldn’t be engaging in any of the Brit’s ‘bullsh*t: “I am sure he won four or five world championships on five-inch pockets. He can say whatever he wants. I know what the pockets are like in the backroom. I know how tight they are but we shoot straighter than all of them and that’s fact. Under the gun, we produce better and that’s a fact too. When we step out there and under the gun, we won’t be ducking for no shots.”
Team news from both sides will follow tomorrow ahead of the first day of action.
Watch
Can’t make it to the 2022 Mosconi Cup? Watch the action wherever you are in the world. Broadcasters below. If you do not see a broadcaster in your country, you can watch on Matchroom.Live
Sky Sports UK & Ireland
AMC Network Hungary
Dazn Brazil, Canada, Italy, Spain, USA
Fox Sports Australia
Mena SSC
Nova Czech Republic and Slovakia
Saran Sport Turkey
Singtel Singapore
Sportklub Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia
Team USA’s Jeremy Jones and Team Europe’s Alex Lely are both revelling in the pressure ahead of the much-awaited 2022 Mosconi Cup at Bally’s Las Vegas from November 30 to December 3 live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA as well as other broadcasters worldwide.
Looking ahead to action getting underway in pool’s biggest event Jones acknowledges his side cannot get ahead of itself with the home crowd baying for the Europeans to slip up: “I want to keep it simple. I don’t want anyone over-excited. We will have our chance to win the cup. It will take a lot. Europe has a great team. It’s about who gets settled the most first. I know our team can win on any scoreline. I think whoever gets comfortable first will strike while the iron is hot. Winning on US soil would be something special.”
“Winning is incredible wherever but there’s something special when in the USA. It’s special in this team. It breathes USA all around. I expect to see a lot of resolve. You can almost get too giddy. This team has a collective goal in mind. You can expect a lot of great things.”
It’s hard to describe playing the Mosconi Cup, especially in Las Vegas. It’s like you’ve got back up out there for sure. The energy is crazy.
Lely meanwhile is looking to lead a victory on American soil since 2017 and he’s acutely aware of the challenge that faces him. The Dutch native is no stranger to winning with back-to-back triumphs for Europe in the UK losing only nine points in the process with an 11-3 win in 2020 and 11-6 last year at Alexandra Palace but this year promises to be a whole new challenge if Lely is to guide his side to a three-peat: “We are looking forward to playing in Las Vegas in front of the US fans. They deserve their up-close-and-personal experience with the biggest event of the year and it’s something they’ve unfortunately been starved of recently. I am sure they will give us a warm welcome…”
The training program under Lely is rigorous and to the point with members of Team Europe aware of exactly where they should be at certain times as they look to mastermind another win: “We get together well before the event starts and we will get some practice in but more so, I want the team to fortify our bonds and become as tightly knit as possible and as a unit. We go into battle as a team and stay together and focus right until the last ball.”
Last year didn’t start well for Europe losing the team match for the third straight year in a row before being 5-4 down going into the third day after a remarkable middle order from the USA. Lely admitted at the time it kept him up all night and called a team meeting at his room for early morning ahead of day three: “This is my 3rd consecutive year and this time we want to get out of the gates strong. All guns blazing, you could say. The start is important, and I want my team to show heart and wear it on their sleeves as they go out for each match. We know it will be a tough week and starting out well is the only way to tame the onslaught that will come our way.”
Hear more from Jones and Lely at the 2022 Mosconi Cup press conference on Tuesday, 29 November at 3 pm local time. Get your tickets to be there here.
Watch
Can’t make it to the 2022 Mosconi Cup? Watch the action wherever you are in the world. Broadcasters below. If you do not see a broadcaster in your country, you can watch on Matchroom.Live
Sky Sports UK & Ireland
AMC Network Hungary
Dazn Brazil, Canada, Italy, Spain, USA
Fox Sports Australia
Mena SSC
Nova Czech Republic and Slovakia
Saran Sport Turkey
Singtel Singapore
Sportklub Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia
Skyler Woodward and Jayson Shaw will be playing vice-captains for the 2022 Mosconi Cup at Bally’s Las Vegas from November 30 to December 3 live on Sky Sports as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Poland.
Woodward will provide extra assistance to Jeremy Jones‘ Team USA side of Shane Van Boening, Oscar Dominguez, Tyler Styer, and Earl Strickland with the two-time Mosconi Cup MVP feeling like it’s a natural position for him to take up within the team: “I feel honoured to be in this position to represent my country as vice-captain. To know people are counting on me to help lead is a great feeling. I grew up playing all team sports. I always helped with lineups and pay attention to things needed in the lineup that is best for the team. I always do my homework to make sure things are the best they can be.”
“Fans and the team can expect a leadership role from me. I will be keeping everybody loose and supporting them on and off the table to help the team. I’m here for the team and to help take this cup back!”
Shaw relishes the opportunity to support Alex Lely as Team Europe’s Joshua Filler, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Albin Ouschan and David Alcaide look for their third successive title and their first on US soil since 2017 with last year’s MVP taking up the extra role: “It feels great to have a lead role in the team as vice-captain. Everyone knows I’m not scared to say what I think and I have a good bond with the players so I feel can get them ready and pumped up and keep them feeling confident if things are going wrong out there.”
“I’m looking forward to this Mosconi Cup even more now having been selected as vice-captain it’s an honour to be picked for this role. I bring passion fire and calmness when needed. I can help Alex get them fired up and help in the back room keeping things in shape so we are focused on the job ahead. We are coming for revenge in Vegas after 2018 and 2019 mark my words we will be 110% ready to punish every mistake they make,” added a triumphant Shaw.
Only 13 days remain until battle commences at Bally’s Las Vegas in a packed-out arena with the Mosconi Cup returning to the USA for the first time since 2019 where it was the Americans who reigned supreme 11-8 with a gutsy performance. Limited tickets are available for each day here.
David Alcaide has completed Team Europe for the upcoming 2022 Mosconi Cup set to take place at Bally’s Las Vegas, live on Sky Sports, from November 30 to December 3 as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy, and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Poland.
The 2022 World Cup of Pool winner joins his winning partner Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Joshua Filler, Albin Oushcan, and Jayson Shaw as the final wild card pick for Alex Lely‘s European side ahead of reigniting pool’s biggest rivalry with the USA next month.
Alcaide has been on the winning sides in two of his three appearances including last year and the last time Europe won in Sin City five years ago. He will link up with compatriot Sanchez Ruiz for Europe for the first time.
The Spaniard cannot wait to return to the side alongside Sanchez Ruiz: “It’s impressive how you feel when you’re in the team, it’s very difficult to express, it is a dream come true every time, and even more so having the opportunity to play alongside my brother Francisco. It is a dream of both of ours to make it together and now we have done it and we will give our maximum for the team”
Alcaide added: “Playing together in the Mosconi Cup is something we have always dreamed of and for which we have worked very hard, and we are not going to miss this opportunity, we are going to give it our all to bring the cup back with us to Spain.”
Last year saw Europe come from behind to seal an 11-6 win with Alcaide at the heart of the victory securing 2.5 points for his team across singles and doubles action only being pipped by Shaw to the MVP crown: “The first one is very special (2006) but last year in London, which was my first time there, it was unique, this year will be better in Las Vegas. It’s a place I have fond memories of and I hope to make more come December 3.”
Lely is looking forward to the return of Alcaide on his side: “David is intense and he has a lot of heart. It’s nice to watch him when playing so well. He was one of the leaders in the team last year. It’s his age and experience but also his passion for the game and the passion he has for life. He is passionate to help others. He’s been the big brother of Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. It’s a bit like Batman and Robin. He’s a social guy and he doesn’t hold back. I picked him because he ticks so many boxes in the team. I believe his game is there. With his seniority, his experience, and his ability to stand tall in adversity, I think in Las Vegas we will be needing that. I appreciate what leadership he brings.”
“When you look for a fifth pick, you look for his level of play but also how he blends into the team. With FSR in his first Mosconi Cup getting his World Cup of Pool partner in there together will help him but I also think it’s important for the whole team to get another leader on board, a seasoned player who has the ability to carry others.”
The 2022 Mosconi Cup will be live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Netherlands, and Poland. Further broadcasters will be announced in the coming weeks with live coverage also set to be live on Matchroom.Live for those without a broadcaster in their country.
Tyler Styer will return to Team USA as Jeremy Jones’ first wild card pick for the 2022 Mosconi Cup at Bally’s Las Vegas live on Sky Sports, from November 30 to December 3 as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy. Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Netherlands, and Poland as well as on Matchroom.Live in countries without a broadcaster.
“The goal isn’t to just be on the team, it’s to bring the Mosconi Cup back to our hands.” – Tyler Styer
“I expect him to be delivering us points. I know he will be better prepared for this year.” – Jeremy Jones
Captain Jones opted to add Styer to his roster as he looks to lead his American side to glory for the first time since 2019 with Shane Van Boening, Oscar Dominguez, and Skyler Woodward already on the sheet after the conclusion of the US Open Pool Championship off the Live Nineball World Rankings.
Styer will make his fourth Mosconi Cup appearance having been on the winning side in both 2018 and 2019 most importantly when the cup was last on American soil. The Wisconsin native is ready to get going with his side: “It feels great to be back on Team USA this year, but the goal isn’t to just be on the team, it’s to bring the Mosconi Cup back to our hands. 2019 was so special for us on home soil for the first time in so long. Being able to celebrate with the family was just incredible.”
“When I got the call from JJ it felt great. I kind of hand a sense of calm when he called because of the way he is. For him to call and ask me to play for him and Team USA – it gives you a good feeling and fires you up to go out there and play your best,” Styer added.
Jones believes Styer is in good shape to hit the ground running in Las Vegas: “Tyler’s had one of a heck of a year. I know it hasn’t always brought the results it deserved but you can see the progression in his game both mentally and physically. He has a lot of tools at his disposal. I expect him to be delivering us points. I know he will be better prepared for this year than previous to deliver for the team and help bring the cup home.”
Both sides now have one wild card each to decide after Alex Lely unveiled Jayson Shaw as the first wild card for Team Europe yesterday. See more on Shaw’s return here. Make sure you stay tuned to the Matchroom Pool social pages to get the latest news as Mosconi Cup news drops. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The 2022 Mosconi Cup will be live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Netherlands, and Poland. Further broadcasters will be announced in the coming weeks with live coverage also set to be live on Matchroom.Live for those without a broadcaster in their country.
Jayson Shaw has been confirmed as the first wild card pick for Team Europe at the 2022 Mosconi Cup set to take place at Bally’s Las Vegas, live on Sky Sports, from November 30 to December 3 as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Poland.
‘It’s about getting in their heads. I am the man for that job.” – Jayson Shaw
“His heart is on his sleeve, and he leaves it all out there.” – Alex Lely
Team Europe’s captain Alex Lely locked in his first Mosconi Cup wild card pick just a week after Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Albin Ouschan joined Joshua Filler on his side from the Live Nineball World Rankings.
Shaw comes into the Mosconi Cup as a two-time MVP claiming the crown in the last two editions of the transatlantic tussle between Europe and the USA. The Brit will head to Las Vegas looking to write further chapters in his already bulging CV at the cup that has seen him become one of the most feared players in the history of the competition.
“It’s amazing to be back in the team again. I am super excited to be picked. Alex Lely has a lot of experience with me on the team and I believe my leadership in the last few years with the team has been amazing. I am super excited and cannot wait to join back up with the team. It’s a great feeling to represent Europe for the seventh year,” said Shaw.
“It’s been tough the last few times we’ve played in Las Vegas. I know it will be amazing. I have great memories and some bad ones. The memory that sticks out most for me was winning and when I played Shane (Van Boening) and beat him and went to stand on his chair and got the crowd really riled up! That was something special. ”
Eagle Eye has been known as a thorn in the USA side in recent times claiming two singles victories and three doubles last year: “When it comes to taunting the American fans and getting them riled up, I love it. This is what the Mosconi Cup is about. It’s about getting in their heads. I am the man for that job. I like to get in their heads before it’s even started, and this year is no different. Get them all hot and bothered, and get under their skin. Get them frustrated, get them to hate me. The more hate I get, I love it. It brings out the best of me at the Mosconi Cup.”
Captain Lely added: “Jayson is just as we know him. His heart is on his sleeve, and he leaves it all out there. That’s of huge value to the team. His intensity means he can take a lot of heat and the bigger the stage. the more he thrives. This is what we as a whole team expect him to do this year. He has shown he can bring his game out there and the energy in the practice room and online. It’s good for the team to have Jayson involved. He can lead by example.”
Fans can expect to hear more from Shaw in the coming weeks with the launch of the new Golden Break Podcast series where Matchroom Multi Sport Managing Director Emily Frazer will hold in-depth conversations with some of the biggest characters in the sport to get to know who the person really is beyond Nineball. Be the first to watch Shaw’s episode by signing up to the Matchroom Pool Club for free here.
One further wild card pick will be revealed by Lely in the coming weeks to complete Team Europe with Jeremy Jones set to announce his two wild cards for Team USA in the same time frame.
On Jones’ American side Skyler Woodward and Oscar Dominguez were confirmed to be joining Van Boening last week off the Live Nineball World Rankings. Make sure you stay tuned to the Matchroom Pool social pages to get the latest news as Mosconi Cup news drops. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest.
The 2022 Mosconi Cup will be live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Netherlands, and Poland. Further broadcasters will be announced in the coming weeks with live coverage also set to be live on Matchroom.Live for those without a broadcaster in their country.
Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz (Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport)
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz is the new Nineball World Number One after clinching the 2022 US Open Pool Championship title beating Max Lechner in the final at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City to take home the $50,000 first-place prize.
The Spaniard’s week in New Jersey couldn’t have gone much better finding out earlier on that he would be an automatic pick for the 2022 Mosconi Cup Team Europe side as one of the three players to come from the Live Nineball World Rankings and it ended with a memorable victory in front of a sell-out crowd over Lechner to break the $100,000 mark and overtake World Champion Shane Van Boening at the top.
Sanchez Ruiz was elated with his week’s work: “It is unbelievable how it feels. I feel so happy. Congratulations to Max. Thank you to everyone for the support, I love you guys. It’s the biggest win in my career. There are too many good feelings right now. I received the news of making the Mosconi Cup and it gave me so much. I want to say thank you to my team David Alcaide and Jose Alberto Delgado. It’s an unbelievable feeling, it really is.”
Joshua Filler was eyeing a second US Open, but it wasn’t to be as Eklent Kaçi abruptly ended the UK Open winner’s run in the Last 16. Despite that, Filler has opened up a $17,870 gap over Albin Ouschan at world number four.
Three Austrians now sit inside the top ten in the world with Lechner’s $25,000 winnings taking him from 15th to sixth just behind Mario He and Ouschan. Kaçi’s run in AC to the quarter-finals sees the Albanian break into the top ten whilst Alexander Kazakis, Wiktor Zielinski, and Abdullah Alyousef all had strong weeks to maintain their position inside the top ten.
The Ko brothers have been back in force in recent months after Pin Yi snapped off the APF Asian 9-Ball Open, Ping Chung reached the semi-finals to climb from 73rd in the world to 24th as one of the biggest movers. Poland’s Konrad Juszczyszyn steady year continued as he moved up to 15th and Sanjin Pehlivanovic moved inside the top 20.
2023 promises to be bigger and better for Nineball with the Matchroom provisional schedule revealed for the first time during the US Open. Matchroom’s calendar will begin with the World Pool Championship from February 1-5 before the World Pool Masters from May 6-9 ahead of the second-ever UK Open Pool Championship set to take place in London once again from May 30 to June 4. Both the World Cup of Pool and Premier League Pool will take place in June ahead of the European Open Pool Championship in Fulda, Germany from August 8-13.
The next US Open Pool Championship gets underway from September 25-30 before the Mosconi Cup caps off 2023 in December. See more on the 2023 Matchroom provisional schedule here.
The full Nineball World Ranking Schedule will be revealed in the coming weeks as it promises to offer more opportunities for players to earn their right to the biggest events on the calendar.
All eyes will now turn to the 2022 Mosconi Cup where both Team USA and Team Europe know three of their five-player rosters after Sanchez Ruiz and Ouschan were confirmed for Europe to join Filler. On Jeremy Jones‘ American side Skyler Woodward and Oscar Dominguez were confirmed to be joining Van Boening ahead of both Jones and Alex Lely confirming their two wild card picks.
Fans can expect to hear more soon from both skippers as they confirm their two wild card picks each to complete their sides ahead of the battle commencing in pool’s biggest battle.
Francisco Sanchez-Ruiz (Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport)
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz has won the 2022 US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City beating Austria’s Max Lechner 13-10 in the final to shoot to World No.1 on the Live Nineball World Rankings taking home the $50,000 first place prize and becoming the first Spaniard to win one of pool’s oldest majors.
Rack 1 – Sanchez Ruiz 0-1 Lechner – Lechner won the lag before taking the opening rack in a break and run to curb any early nerves in the biggest match of both players’ careers.
Rack 2 – Sanchez Ruiz 0-2 Lechner – The Austrian doubled his advantage soon after with another break and run, laying down a real warning sign in the process of how he would attack the contest.
Rack 3 – Sanchez Ruiz 1-2 Lechner – After a brief safety exchange Lechner looked to be in to establish a 3-0 lead at the first commercial but a missed seven ball later and Sanchez Ruiz was on the board for the first time in the contest.
Rack 4 – Sanchez Ruiz 1-3 Lechner – Sanchez Ruiz broke for the first time in the match but was left stumped for a shot on the two. He chose to push out before Lechner put him back in. Sanchez Ruiz kicked at the two but opened up the table in the process to leave Lechner back at the table. The three was still troublesome for Lechner though who went aerial to make contact only to see it fluke in and make an easy out from there.
Rack 5 – Sanchez Ruiz 2-3 Lechner – The contest was swinging for the first time in Sanchez Ruiz’s favour thanks to a fluked carom to make the nine when jumping for the two.
Rack 6 – Sanchez Ruiz 3-3 Lechner – A golden break from Sanchez Ruiz brought the pair level for the first time since the start of the match at three all. He’d potted seven balls to win three racks.
Rack 7 – Sanchez Ruiz 3-4 Lechner – Not much could separate the two who were contesting only the third-ever all-European US Open final and it was Lechner who took the initiative after seven. Sanchez Ruiz was looking to cut the three in only to be left in despair as it somehow clung onto the pocket.
Rack 8 – Sanchez Ruiz 4-4 Lechner – The two ball was Lechner’s hold-up at times in his semi-final with Ko Ping Chung and it was again in the eighth rack that brought Sanchez Ruiz to the table to level again.
Rack 9 – Sanchez Ruiz 5-4 Lechner – Sanchez Ruiz led for the first time in the match at 5-4. The Spaniard already buoyed by knowing he would be the new Nineball World Rankings No. 1 at the conclusion of the day had found a rhythm and making the most of it.
Rack 10 – Sanchez Ruiz 5-5 Lechner – It was a nightmare for Sanchez Ruiz just as things were heading his way. The 2022 World Cup of Pool winner scratched from the break to put Lechner back to the table to level once again.
Rack 11 – Sanchez Ruiz 6-5 Lechner – Lechner fouled when trying to jump over the four and five to make the three ball. With the ball in hand, Sanchez Ruiz took the lead and was ahead again.
Rack 12 – Sanchez Ruiz 6-6 Lechner – With the two over the pocket, Sanchez Ruiz kicked and missed trying to make it leaving Lechner his time to level once again.
Rack 13 – Sanchez Ruiz7-6 Lechner – Lechner broke and snatched at a chance with the rest on the five ball which allowed Sanchez Ruiz to swoop in and take the lead and reach the halfway mark first.
Rack 14 – Sanchez Ruiz8-6 Lechner – An expert break and run gave Sanchez Ruiz a two rack cushion for the first time in the match and Lechner was starting to rue missed opportunities.
Rack 15 – Sanchez Ruiz9-6 Lechner – Sanchez Ruiz crunched in the break in the 15th rack and made a clean run out to be four away from the title.
Rack 16 – Sanchez Ruiz10-6 Lechner – Four balls off the break for Sanchez Ruiz was just the ticket as he looked to hone in on his first-ever individual Matchroom title with another break and run. It was cruise control.
Rack 17 – Sanchez Ruiz 10-7 Lechner – The Sanchez Ruiz momentum was halted swiftly in the 17th after a brief safety exchange, FSR was back at the table but left with a tricky 5-6 combo to stay at the table. He put the table open when making contact with the five which allowed Lechner to swoop and steal a rack back.
Rack 18 – Sanchez Ruiz 10-8 Lechner – A break and run from Lechner brought him within two once again.
Rack 19 – Sanchez Ruiz 10-9 Lechner – Lechner was hooked by the eight when looking to make the seven but showed huge minerals to jump it and make the seven before holding position on the eight and nine to be one away from leveling up.
Rack 20 – Sanchez Ruiz 11-9 Lechner – Just when it looked like Lechner was finding his feet again with arguably the biggest shot of the match in the previous rack, he scratched on the break to leave Sanchez Ruiz with a routine run out to be two away.
Rack 21 – Sanchez Ruiz 11-10 Lechner – Things were just heating up as Lechner and Sanchez Ruiz got locked into a deep safety battle that in the end the former prevailed in after locking up the cue ball tight one end of the table. Sanchez Ruiz fouled to bring Lechner in to punish him and be one back.
Rack 22 – Sanchez Ruiz 12-10 Lechner – There was dispair for Lechner once again as he scratched off the break to allow Sanchez Ruiz in to clean up and get to the hill first.
Rack 23 – Sanchez Ruiz 13-10 Lechner – The cueball did the work for Sanchez Ruiz as it so always has in a golden year as he sealed a memorable win with a break and run.
What Sanchez Ruiz said
“It is unbelievable how it feels. I feel so happy. Congratulations to Max. Thank you to everyone for the support, I love you guys. IT’s the biggest win in my career. There’s too many good feelings right now. I received the news of making the Mosconi Cup and it gave me so much. I want to say thank you to my team David Alcaide and Jose Alberto Delgado. It’s an unbelievable feeling, it really is.”
Next
Next up is the 2022 Mosconi Cup from November 30 to December 3 at Bally’s Las Vegas where Jeremy Jones‘ USA side will be looking to steal the Mosconi Cup back from Alex Lely‘s European side live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain, Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland and networks worldwide including on Matchroom.Live for those without a broadcaster in their country.
Both Team USA and Europe have three spots each locked up from the Live Nineball World Rankings with Shane Van Boening joined by Skyler Woodward and Oscar Dominguez this week for the Americans whilst Joshua Filler was joined by Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and Albin Ouschan. Ouschan qualified after Lechner finished as runner-up. Fans can expect to hear more soon from both skippers as they confirm their two wild card picks each to complete their sides ahead of the battle commencing in pool’s biggest battle.
World Champion Shane Van Boening and current World No.2 Joshua Filler are the first two players in history to be selected for the Mosconi Cup based off the Nineball World Rankings for Jeremy Jones and Alex Lely’s Team USA and Team Europe sides respectively with the annual trans-Atlantic tussle set to take place at Bally’s Las Vegas from November 30 to December 3 live on Sky Sports, DAZN, Viaplay, Matchroom.Live and networks worldwide.
Van Boening will be competing in his 16th consecutive Mosconi Cup after making his debut in 2007. The South Dakota Kid has had a year to remember after fulfilling a childhood dream by claiming the World Pool Championship title for the first-time beating Austria’s Albin Ouschan in the final back in April.
Since then, the World No. 1 Van Boening has challenged at the biggest tournaments on the Nineball calendar most recently finishing as runner-up in the European Open as he builds up an unassailable lead at the top of the Live Nineball World Rankings amassing nearly $100,000 in prize money so far.
“It’s the best event every year. I am really excited this year to be back in America with thousands of fans. I want to beat the European team so bad. That’s how I feel when I come to the Mosconi Cup. I want to win. I am ready. You have thousands of people watching. You feel a lot of pressure to tournaments across the world. There’s something about the Mosconi Cup.
Van Boening tasted victory in 2019: “That was the best moment I’ve ever had in my career to make the 1-9 combination to send us on our way to winning the Mosconi Cup for my team, my fans, and my country. It doesn’t get any better feeling than that. I hope to do the same again.”
“I have been playing a lot of tournaments this year. I am feeling less pressure when I go and play tournaments. I am enjoying myself and having fun. I feel like I am on top of my game. I need to work harder and finish the year strong.”
“It’s the greatest feeling in Pool to play the Mosconi Cup. It’s the most exciting event every year. ” – Van Boening
Filler qualified for his fifth Mosconi Cup after Francisco Sanchez Ruiz failed to better Filler’s result in the inaugural European Open Pool Championship at Hotel Esperanto, Fulda in Germany with Filler reaching the quarter-finals before defeat.
The Killer has gone from strength to strength this year claiming both the World Pool Masters and UK Open titles within the space of a couple of weeks to surge up the Live Nineball World Rankings and become the first player picked for Team Europe since the launch of the rankings which shape the game of Nineball worldwide. He pipped Sanchez Ruiz to the first spot by over $18,000.
The German star sank the winning balls as Europe came from behind to defeat the USA at Alexandra Palace back in December 11-6: “To be on the Mosconi Cup team once again is an honor. Last year as a team we had a brilliant time and bonded so well off the table and it just elevated our performance when we got into the arena. I feel more hungry than ever before and I’ve had a year to remember already, I cannot wait to add to that journey in Las Vegas.”
“I know what I can bring to the team and feel like the Mosconi Cup just brings something out of me when at the table. There’s no better feeling than representing Europe at the Mosconi Cup. To sink the winning 9-ball last year is up there in the top moments of my career.” – Filler
Both players will be joined by two further players on each side from the Live Nineball World Rankings after the conclusion of the 2022 US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort, Atlantic City from October 10-15 2022. Jones and Lely will then get two wild card picks to complete their sides as Mosconi Cup returns stateside for the first time since 2019.
After record sales, there are only limited seats now available to watch the teams compete live in Las Vegas. The new theatre-style arena will be created at Bally’s Las Vegas to accommodate the biggest seating capacity staged for a Pool event in the USA, catering for supporters travelling from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the action. Remaining tickets start from $69 right here.
