Eklent Kaçi’s title defence comes to a shocking end at the BetVictor 2024 UK Open Pool Championship at the Telford International Centre. Unlike Capito, Fortunski, Makkonen, and Labutis who advance into tomorrow’s semi-finals live on broadcasters worldwide, including DAZN, Viaplay, and Sky Sports in the UK.
Defending champion Eklent Kaçi began the day with an impressive battle against American hall of famer Shane Van Boening, securing a decisive 10-5 victory. Kaçi then went on to encounter Spanish Open semi-finalist Pijus Labutis, who had previously stopped Mickey Krause with a 10-6 win in the Last 16 stage.
Unfortunately for Kaçi, his title defence came to a devastating halt against Labutis, who prevented the Albanian from gaining any momentum during the racks. A golden break comfortably propelled Labutis to the hill, where he swept the table to reach 10-5, bringing an end to Kaçi’s reign.
Filler’s masterclass persisted as he continued his rack win streak from the previous night, dominating Wiktor Zielinski with a commanding 6-0 lead. Filler’s execution of safety shots left Zielinski with little opportunity to gain ground, concluding the match 10-3.
In the subsequent round, Filler faced off against the emerging talent Robbie Capito, who had defeated Fedor Gorst in a dramatic 10-8 showdown the round before. Despite Filler’s strong performance earlier, he encountered challenges against Capito, who began with an impressive 6-0 advantage. Filler regained momentum, seizing opportunities presented by his opponent’s mistakes and bringing the match to a hill-hill climax. Unfortunately, a crucial error in potting the 4-ball in the final rack proved costly for Filler, allowing Capito to secure the victory and advance to the semi-finals.
The Last 16 saw a double KO, with both Ko Pin Yi and Ko Ping Chung getting knocked out of the tournament by Tobias Bongers and Mieszko Fortunski, respectively. Bongers and Fortunski then faced off in the following round, but it was Fortunski who emerged victorious with a convincing 10-4 win over Bongers.
Mosconi Cup Team USA captain Skyler Woodward also met his match in the Last 16, as Petri Makkonen defeated the last remaining American 10-7. The Finnish competitor then went head-to-head with the two-time World Pool Champion, Albin Ouschan, establishing an early lead in the match.
However, Makkonen’s missed shot on the 9-ball in rack 12, followed by a scratch on the break in rack 17, allowed Ouschan to mount a comeback and bring the match to a thrilling hill-hill scenario. Unfortunately for Ouschan, a dry break dashed his hopes, enabling Makkonen to clear the table and secure his place in the semi-finals tomorrow.
The JS Junior Open finished today, showcasing a thrilling final match between Sonny Haegmans and Maks Benko. In a showdown filled with tension, defending champion Benko emerged victorious with a 9-4 triumph. His win secured the top prize of $2,500, amidst the buzz of excitement at the Telford International Centre.
Juniors aged 17 and under all came to Telford hoping to make a name for themselves as an up-and-coming superstar. With host Shaw watching on and welcoming, action was fast-paced as they competed for their part of the $10,000 prize fund.
Watch
The last day will be broadcasted live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland with fans in the USA and Brazil able to watch on DAZN whilst those in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, Netherlands, and Iceland can watch live on Viaplay.
World Champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz suffered an unexpected exit from the BetVictor 2024 UK Open Pool Championship, at the Telford International Centre, whereas defending champion Eklent Kaçi advances into tomorrow’s Last 16 live on broadcasters worldwide, including DAZN, Viaplay, and Sky Sports in the UK.
Despite making it to the Last 32, Ruiz fell short against former World Cup of Pool champion Petri Makkonen, losing 10-6. Upsets continued as home favourite Jayson Shaw and Vietnamese star Duong Quoc Hoang both failed to progress from the Last 64 stage, each losing 10-7.
Kaçi’s title defence remained strong, staging a crucial comeback against Mario He, overturning a 1-5 deficit to ultimately secure a 10-7 victory. The defending champion went into the Last 32, where he defeated the Singaporean Toh Lian Han with a decisive 10-5. However, his younger brother, Kledio Kaçi, struggled to advance past the Last 64, falling 10-7 to Makkonen.
The only Austrian to make it to the quarterfinals, Albin Ouschan, secured a hard-fought victory over snooker champion Gary Wilson in a nail-biting 10-9 battle. Ouschan clawed back from a three-rack deficit, earning his place for tomorrow’s matchup.
The Ko brothers effortlessly advanced into the quarterfinals with slid back-to-back victories in their matches, alongside last year’s Mosconi Cup Team USA contenders, Fedor Gorst, Shane Van Boening, and this year’s captain, Skyler Woodward.
To wrap up the day, Joshua ‘The Killer’ Filler claimed his revenge against old foe Anton Raga with a commanding a 10-0 masterclass, marking a stark contrast to Raga’s victory over Filler in the 2023 European Open.
The JS Junior Open returns alongside the main action in the Telford International Centre. Juniors aged 17 and under all came to Telford hoping to make a name for themselves as an up-and-coming superstar. With host Shaw watching on and welcoming, action was fast-paced as they compete for their part of the $10,000 prize fund. All players were provided with a free jersey from partners Onboard Sportswear as well as welcome pack that included tips and chalk from KAMUI. The final of the JS Junior Open will be live-streamed live on the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel thanks to the partners mentioned above and Cuetec, Diamond Billiards, Iwan Simonis, and Aramith Balls.
Live rack-by-rack scoring will be available throughout the event at www.wntlivescores.com.
Wherever you are in the world, you will be able to catch the action with broadcasters globally and live on the Matchroom Pool and Multi Sport YouTube channels in selected territories and on Matchroom.Live. UK-based fans can see the final two days on Sky Sports with the opening four on Matchroom.Live and the Matchroom YouTube. Fans in the USA and Brazil will be able to watch all six days live on DAZN whilst those in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Poland, Netherlands, and Iceland can watch live on Viaplay.
Spectators will be able to catch the action live from the Telford International Centre throughout the week, with day tickets available from £22 and weekend passes for fans to take in the final two days for just £50.
Secure your ticket here
Tickets for the 2024 Mosconi Cup sold in record time with fans rushing to secure their seats to watch the USA battle for their takeback of the Cup against Europe on home turf. The event heads to Caribe Royale resort in Orlando, Florida for the first time in Mosconi history from November 30 to December 3, broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
GENERAL SALE TICKETS AVAILABLE FRIDAY 10 MAY
Following a release of priority-sale tickets, only a limited number of seats are now available for general sale this Friday, 10 May, to watch the teams compete in the Sunshine State live. The cauldron-like arena will return at the new venue, Caribe Royale resort in Orlando, to accommodate the 2,500 fans travelling from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the action.
The tournament will return stateside following last year’s Mosconi Cup at Alexandra Palace, London with levels expected to be ramped up even further as Jayson Shaw and Skyler Woodward lead Team Europe and Team USA, respectively.
Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer said: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the demand of tickets for the 2024 Mosconi Cup, from an event that has grown from 250 fans to now selling out priority tickets in less than an hour shows how far the Mosconi has come and just how many people want to come for the full gig!
“We’re thrilled to unveil this iconic event at the breathtaking Caribe Royale resort in sunny Orlando Florida. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to what promises to be a breath-taking 4 days of top-quality action and production, fierce rivalry, and an entertaining and fun atmosphere.
“The rivalry between the USA and Europe is at its peak with teams hungrier than ever to defend or grasp the Cup. Fans can expect yet another thrilling tournament, with Jayson Shaw and Skyler Woodward to be playing captains for the first time since 2005.”
Ticket prices start from $70 (taxes not included) per day and will be available to purchase on Friday 10 May at 6pm. A whole host of options will be available including VIP and following success in the UK, VIP Couch tickets offering fans the experience of a lifetime from behind the Team Europe and USA benches.
Tickets for the 2024 Mosconi Cup, from 30 November to 3 December at the Caribe Royale resort in Orlando, Florida will go on Priority Sale from Wednesday, 8 May at 6pm BST/1PM EST with General Sale to follow from Friday, 10 May at 6pm BST/1PM EST. The biggest event on the World Nineball Tour calendar will be live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom &Ireland.
The 2024 Mosconi Cup will take place from Saturday, 30 November to Tuesday, 3 December starting from 1pm local (6pm UK) daily in the Sunshine State for the first time, promising to be one of the most hotly contested in the tournament’s steeped history. Competition for places on Team Europe and Team USA are even higher due to the growth of theWorld Nineball Tour and an enticing prize fund, with each member of the winning side set to pocket $40,000.
Last year,the crowd in Alexandra Palace, London raised the roof, with levels expected toramp up even further as Jayson Shaw and Skyler Woodward lead team Europe andTeam USA, respectively, for the first time since 2005 as playing captains. Fans can expect an intense showdown, with Europe aiming to extend their winning streak and USA striving for a historic comeback on home soil.
Ticketprices start from $70 per day with a whole host of options available includingVIP and following success in the UK, VIP Couch tickets offering fans theexperience of a lifetime from behind the Team Europe and USA benches. VIP ticket holders will get access to the Mosconi Cup VIP lounge before play where they will be treated to a buffet brunch along with unlimited drinks for four hours.
Price Types
– Silver Rows J-P: From $70
– Gold Rows D-H: From $90
– VIP Rows A-C: From $400
– VIP Hospitality – Includes VIP Hospitality package plus a sofa seat behind team benches: From $500
Prices do not include local taxes.
VIP INCLUDES
– Get closer to the action with the seating in the front three rows.
– Welcome drink on arrival
– Enjoy a brunch buffet in the Mosconi Cup VIP Lounge before play
– Hosted Open Bar for 4 hours
– Photo opportunity with the Mosconi Cup Trophy
– Private Bar in the Mosconi Cup Lounge
– Official event programme
– Daily meet and greet with the Mosconi Cup players and captains
– Exclusive VIP lanyard
If you require Accessible Seating, please contact 407-238-8424 to help us meet your needs.
Accommodation
Spectators can book accommodation at the Caribe Royale resort and will receive a discounted rate if accommodation is booked before the 11 May 2024.
Shane Van Boening (Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport)
Shane Van Boening will begin the defense of his World Pool Championship title against Japan’s Masato Yoshioka in Kielce, Poland from February 1-5 live on Sky Sports in the UK, Viaplay in Poland, Scandinavia and the Baltics, DAZN in the USA as well as Matchroom.Live and networks worldwide.
The American will look to become only the second player in history to defend the title following in the footsteps of Earl Strickland in a packed arena at Targi Kielce. 46 countries will be represented in the 128-player field as it is whittled down to the Last 64 over the first two days of action before it’s straight knockout to the end where one will claim the $60,000 first-place prize and the world crown.
The draw was completed with the top 64 players from the Nineball World Rankings against an unseeded player from the other 64 in the hat. Standout first-round ties include 2015 world champion Ko Pin Yi facing James Aranas of the Philippines whilst 2022 semi-finalist Abdullah Alyousef faces the tricky prospect of Johann Chua. 2004 world champion Alex Pagulayan was unseeded and will meet Michael Schneider.
World Cup of Pool winner David Alcaide takes on Billy Thorpe and Shane Wolford‘s mission for a spot on Team USA at the 2023 Mosconi Cup takes on Pia Filler. Francisco Sanchez Ruiz had a year to remember last year and will begin his Nineball campaign against So Shaw of Iran.
Double elimination matches are all race to 9, with all matches from the Last 64 a race to 11 except the final, which is a race to 13.
Table 1 will be live on broadcasters worldwide including Sky Sports in the UK, Viaplay in Poland, Scandinavia, Baltics, and the Netherlands, DAZN in the USA, Canada, and Italy, as well as on Matchroom.Live and networks worldwide. See where to watch here.
Table 2 will be live on Viaplay in selected territories as well as on Matchroom.Live and the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel.
Table 3 will be live on Viaplay in selected territories as well as on Matchroom.Live and the Matchroom Multi Sport YouTube channel.
Team Europe won the 2022 Mosconi Cup beating the USA 11-7 at Bally’s Las Vegas as Cuetec MVP Joshua Filler sunk the winning balls in the third match of the day to secure the cup for a third straight year.
Going into the final day of play, Europe had a two-point buffer on the USA at 8-6 but that lead was soon cut to one as the World Cup of Pool winning duo of Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide struggled for mojo as the US’s duo of vice-captain Skyler Woodward and world champion Shane Van Boening rallied to an important 5-3 win.
Alcaide had struggled with the table conditions and cue ball control in the opener but something seemed to click in his singles action with Woodward in red-hot form and gunning for an MVP crown. Woodward made light work of the early racks to lead 3-1. The turning point came in the next rack with Woodward missing a costly five and Alcaide finding a groove to run through to victory 5-3 and put Europe two away from the title.
The Mosconi Cup rivalry for the ages lived up to all expectations as Jayson Shaw clashed with Shane Van Boening to potentially put Europe on the hill, something he has done previously. Shaw and Van Boening looked nervy for large parts in the rowdy atmosphere in Sin City. Van Boening scratched in the third rack but managed to get back to the table from a Shaw error to be ahead at 2-1. It was the case of whoever settled first would come good and that did prove to be Shaw who did so to lead 4-2 after Van Boening slipped on the six. It was mission complete for Shaw who ran out a 5-3 winner. One away for Team Europe.
As it was in 2017 and 2021, it was left up to German superstar Joshua Filler to bring it home and sink the winning balls this time against Tyler Styer for a memorable win in Las Vegas, the first time Team Europe has achieved such a feat since 2017. Styer looked out of it for large parts but could’ve made it hill hill. It looked as if Styer would have a routine run out only to run aground on the eight to leave it in ample range for Filler to step up and seal the Cuetec MVP title and the 2022 Mosconi Cup crown.
Filler said: “I am so overwhelmed right now but let’s go, we did it again! I was so nervous but then I was something in between, relaxed and nervous. It’s amazing to be MVP. It’s incredible. I started always pretty good but this year, yesterday I wasn’t 100% there. Being MVP is great, to win with this team and togetherness is a dream.”
Captain Lely said: “It was some show. I want to thank the American fans. It was amazing There was a lot of heat. From now to the future, the home-court advantage is massive. Two years from now will be bigger crazier, and more intense than ever. I have a lot of appreciation for how the Americans handled themselves. They put them under a lot of heat. The team is special. It’s a team of champions. Finding a way to get it together with all the egos in sync is quite a challenge but we’ve been working together for a few years. Jayson Shaw as the vice-captain was brilliant.”
The 2023 Nineball Schedule will begin with the 2023 World Pool Championship set to take place from February 1-5. More news is to follow ahead of the next season getting underway in January with Diamond Billiards’ Derby City Classic Nineball Division and the Turning Stone Classic. See more here.
A grandstand final day of the 2022 Mosconi Cup has been set with the score 8-6 to Europe after three days of action at Bally’s Las Vegas live Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain, Viaplay in the Baltics, Scandinavia and Poland and networks worldwide.
The action began in a frantic manner as Shane Van Boening ticked over for a historic match 100 in the Mosconi Cup alongside veteran and hero Earl Strickland. It was a tight battle against Europe’s duo of Jayson Shaw and David Alcaide at 3-2 to the USA. A scratch from Alcaide on the break in rack six brought Strickland and Van Boening to the hill. The pair wouldn’t have liked how tight it got through as Shaw fluked the nine in rack seven before levelling up for a hill-hill finish. Strickland and Van Boening inspired each other to put the USA ahead overall 5-4.
Alcaide was straight back out into singles action against Tyler Styer with the crowd hoping for the momentum to stay in the USA’s favour. Alcaide was cueing purely with very little room for error up until 4-0 up. Styer was sat frozen for large parts and struggled to make balls off the break for the first time this week. The Wisconsin man pulled the jump cue out as he ran out the fifth to make it a contest, one further rack followed before Alcaide put his stamp on the match to level again at 5-5 overall.
Strickland was in the heat of the action and back out with Skyler Woodward in the 11th match of the cup against World Pool Masters winner Joshua Filler and US Open winner Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. The early exchanges were close until Sanchez Ruiz showed his prowess that sees him as the current Nineball World No.1 with an epic bank shot to go 3-1 up. Strickland was digging in to save Woodward’s blushes at times but it proved to be too little as Sanchez Ruiz made a winning golden break 5-2 to establish a European lead overall.
There was no time for Strickland to mull over the last match as he would be up against European Open champion Albin Ouschan in what proved to be a hellish time for the veteran. After establishing a quick two rack lead, Strickland barely saw the table thereafter with a few moments costing him dearly as Ouschan came out strong to seal a 5-2 win with five on the spin.
A huge match-up between America’s Van Boening and vice-captain Woodward and Europe’s Shaw and Filler always promised fireworks and it delivered in a way not many would have predicted before a ball was potted. Van Boening and Woodward delivered a quite spectacular whitewash, the first one of the week to keep USA well in the tie going into the final action of the day. It was scintillating stuff.
Shaw has been a thorn in the USA side for many years but has struggled for a rhythm at times this week. The tables turned though as he seized on Oscar Dominguez to put Europe two up ahead of the final day. Shaw had raced into a two-rack buffer but Dominguez levelled up at two apiece. From there, Shaw hit a new gear to bring home another European point.
Tomorrow sees the final day of the 2022 Mosconi Cup at Bally’s Las Vegas with 11 the target for victory with the score currently set at 8-6 to Europe overall.
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 took Day 1 of the 2022 Mosconi Cup 3-1 against Team Europe to a raucous 2,500 strong crowd at Bally’s Las Vegas live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain, Viaplay in the Baltics, Scandinavia and Poland and networks worldwide.
Team Europe went into the team match looking to taste victory in the cup’s curtain-raiser for the first time since 2018 whilst the USA was hoping for the home crowd to bring the noise and they certainly did with an inspired opening point 5-3.
Match two was the first sight of Earl Strickland and Oscar Dominguez who were making their returns to Jeremy Jones‘ USA side and it was going to be a tall order with World Cup of Pool winners Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide getting their first taste of the action. Strickland and Dominguez had opportunities against the Spanish duo, but they proved too strong as Sanchez Ruiz found his groove in his first-ever Mosconi Cup with Alcaide guiding him through to an impressive 5-1 victory.
The crowd was baying for more from their USA side, and it came as playing vice-captain Skyler Woodward stepped up to face Joshua Filler. Woodward got out the blocks quickly before Filler reached the hill first at 4-3 but with alternate break Woodward had a chance to level up with a consistent eighth rack. The Blue Grass Bad Ass got more than he would’ve wanted with a golden break to make it the first hill-hill of the week. Some acute safety play started the ninth rack before it looked like Filler would have his moment only for the one to brush the three when pocket bound. That allowed Woodward up to take the roof off and deliver a second USA point of the day.
Momentum had swung in the USA’s favour, and they ensured they’d head into day two with a two-point cushion thanks to world champion Shane Van Boening and Tyler Styer who defeated Albin Ouschan and Jayson Shaw in another hill-hill thriller to conclude day one.
Man of the moment Woodward spoke on Off the Rail after the conclusion of the day: “It’s never easy playing Joshua. You must try and take advantage of every mistake even though I did miss the nine one day. I told myself to keep fighting and pushing and take chances where I can. I told the team; I wanted all the pressure on me. I like the pressure. Me winning that match takes the pressure off them ahead of the last match. There was a little pressure off them. They came out loose and I am glad I could get out there and get that point for the USA. The table is tight. The side pockets are unbelievable. They’re crazy. I like it. The side pockets are genius. They’re so tough. It’s how top-level pool should be.”
Tomorrow kicks off with the Fans’ Choice Singles Match before four more matches on day two of the 2022 Mosconi Cup. Voting is open until 10 pm local time for the Fans’ Choice match. Vote 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
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
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.
