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Tuesday-Friday 6-9 December 2016
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Europe team set for Ally Pally fireworks
JAYSON SHAW closed out a memorable qualifying campaign for this year’s Mosconi Cup as he won the final event – the Kuwait Open 9 Ball – to win both the Combined and World ranking lists. That gave the US-based Scot his first ever Mosconi Cup start and he will enter the fray on a wave of confidence.
With Niels Feijen having taken the Euro ranking list spot, it meant that the final automatic berth on Team Europe reverted to the Combined list, and it was England's Mark Gray who took it to make his third Mosconi Cup appearance, eight years after his debut in Malta.
For his wildcard picks, captain Marcus Chamat went firstly for Austria’s Albin Ouschan who had another stand-out year, winning the World 9 Ball Championship in Qatar. For his final pick, he went for experience, grit and determination with England’s Darren Appleton.
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Marcus Chamat was delighted with his final line up; “Niels is a World Champion and four-time MVP and that speaks for itself. He’s in the history books and I really don't think anyone will beat that, and he’s had another great year behind him. Niels always comes to Mosconi Cup to go to work; it’s all about professionalism.
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“I expect Mark Gray to come big in London as he makes his third appearance. I’ve watched Mark play a lot in Europe this year and he’s playing really smooth with great cue ball control - they won’t know what’s hit them!
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“Although Jayson Shaw is a rookie, if anybody doesn’t know who this guy is now, I can guarantee they will in December. He’s the man of the moment in world pool and he wants this so badly. He’s a perfect mix for the team and he’s improved so much as player and stands with his feet on the ground.
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“If anyone thought Albin was a one year hit and run kid, then forget it! He is the real deal, winning the World 9 Ball Championship to cement his place at the top. He’s an awesome match player and tailor-made for the Mosconi Cup!
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“Finally, I went with Darren Appleton, who has really come into his own at the Mosconi Cup and even reminds me of me! For the week of the Cup, we really don't care about anything other than the team, winning and the next match; anything else doesn’t really exist for that week. Darren’s passion and heart for our team is second to none. That coupled with his matchplay and ability to handle the pressure make him a great choice!”
Final European Rankings
1 Niels FEIJEN – 213
2 Mark Gray – 189
3 Jayson Shaw – 140
4 David Alcaide – 131
5 Nikos Ekonomopoulos – 117
6 Ralf Souquet – 115
7 Imran Majid – 110
8 Joshua Filler – 103
9 Wojciech Szewczyk – 99
10 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz – 97
Final Combined Rankings
1 Jayson SHAW – 319
2 Niels FEIJEN – 226
3 Mark GRAY – 218
4 David Alcaide – 187
5 Albin Ouschan – 179
6 Ralf Souquet – 154
7 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz – 153
8 Imran Majid – 139
9 Mika Immonen – 131
10 Nikos Ekonomopoulos – 130
Final World Rankings
1 Jayson SHAW – 179
2 Albin Ouschan – 133
3 Alexander Kazakis – 66
T4 David Alcaide – 56
T4 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz – 56
6 Darren Appleton – 54
7 Dennis Grabe – 53
T8 Mario He – 51
T8 Mika Immonen – 51
10 Daryl Peach – 43
For full rankings go to www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup
2016 MOSCONI CUP is sponsored by Rasson Billiards who supply the Official Table. The cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith by Saluc. Predator is the Official Cue of the event and Ultimate Team Gear provide all Mosconi Cup apparel.
TEAM USA :::
2016 Mosconi Cup - American Five set for London showdown
WITH ALL 28 qualifying events now complete, the team to represent the United States of America at the 23rd annual Mosconi Cup is now finalised and there is one change from the team that last 11-7 at the Tropicana last December. The annual transatlantic showdown takes place at the Alexandra Palace, London from Tuesday 6th to Friday 9th December,
Topping the rankings once again, and by some margin, is Shane Van Boening who will be making his tenth appearance in American colours. He will be joined by Mike Dechaine and Skyler Woodward who came second and third on the ranking respectively.
The two wildcards are the highly experienced Rodney Morris who like Van Boening will be making his tenth appearance, and Justin Bergman who comes into the side for the third time.
American captain Mark Wilson said, “This year we had the strongest effort to date for making the travel squad to London. That very fact speaks to the value of the points ranking tournament system, which in turn, is stimulating progress towards the U.S. return to the once proud stature in billiards played internationally.
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“Shane Van Boening is the team’s No.1 and the finest player in the world. Dynamic and powerful, he has never played better nor has he been better prepared for this year's Mosconi Cup and leading Team USA to triumph.
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“Skyler Woodward is young, daring, and full of confidence. Last year he held his own by performing to his best and that experience bodes well for another standout performance in London.
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“Mike Dechaine has finished the year in great form and has distinguished himself with multiple victories over international top talent. Power-breaking and terrific shot-making distinguish Mike as someone that can create their own offense without help from the opponent.
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“Rodney Morris has regained his peak abilities and become the definition of hard work. He brings tremendous Mosconi Cup experience and just as important the "hang loose" attitude when facing adversity which will assist the less experienced players. He was just inducted into the Hall of Fame which indicates his standing in the sport.
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“Justin Bergman is the final pick and his physical stature belies the immense dimension of his pool abilities. Justin is a no-nonsense player who does not flinch during the many hard fought battles certain to occur. Confident and very polished despite being young plus this being his third Mosconi Cup he will be looked upon as a solid presence within the middle of a very skilled line-up. Last year he was number one statistically for a Team USA and this year we anticipate a similar performance.”
Final Ranking after 28 events
1 Shane VAN BOENING – 418
2 Mike DECHAINE – 249
3 Skyler WOODWARD – 248
4 Rodney MORRIS – 216
5 Oscar DOMINGUEZ – 190
6 Justin BERGMAN – 159
7 Shaun WILKIE – 150
8 Brandon SHUFF – 134
9 Josh ROBERTS – 126
10 Shane McMINN – 119
Tickets for the Mosconi Cup are available from www.matchroompool.com
2016 MOSCONI CUP is sponsored by Rasson Billiards who supply the Official Table. The cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith by Saluc. Predator is the Official Cue of the event and Ultimate Team Gear provide all Mosconi Cup apparel.