IMO the U.S top pros could beat any counrty in the world except Efern country if jump cues are not allowed. Most of the best players from around the world just have great pocketing skills, but can't get out of safes W/O the jump cue. Johnnyt
The US team cannot win anymore because of the US Post Office and McDonalds. If you can understand this, then you can understand that it has nothing to do with jump cues, LD shafts, Simonis cloth.
We're not a 3rd world country and we don't have programs for Billiard Education or billiard team play at the elementary (grade school) level. Our professionals don't *need* to play to eat. And there is no Pee Wee League of pool.
We no longer have depression-era professionals teaching the next generation, which was the best generation for US pool. But, there's no more hunger, and the legends of that hungry past are no longer around to show what it meant to sink or swim, lose and starve.
Jump cues the reason? Goodness, that'd be a nice fantasy.
Freddie <~~~ lucky to have the Post Office
Freddie