It's a great feeling to wake up in the USA today. The last week was an adventure I won't soon forget. Despite all the factors, both good and not so good we still got in a position to win on the last day. Until they got in that position no one really knows what might happen, it could have ended differently. 
Every choice that was made I would make again, however there's variables that are impossible to control.
The European Coach and I talked after the event and he knew the last days line up was the one that could beat them. We laughed about a few of the "variables" because it was impossible to predict what would happen under that type of pressure. Some of the factors that mattered the most are ones that no one has even brought up. It's certainly no "typical scenario," and that's what makes it both unpredictable and exciting.
We will say this, if anyone thinks they could get up in front of that crowd, under that amount of pressure and play "their" game it's simply a fantasy. I remember running out the winning rack in '96', it was the most pressure I had ever felt and I was very experience playing under pressure! The only thing I could do was set my body precisely and try to deliver the cue as straight as possible. You must condense your whole game down to one thought and commit, or some very "unusual" things can happen.
We're all proud of all the players and we know each one put their heart and soul into this effort, now we must accept the outcome and become better Men as a result. The Mosconi Cup played in London is much more than "just a pool game," it's a chance to come face to face with your greatest challenges, fears and successes all in one intense meeting.
We're happy for the European team and congratulate their victory, they played superb in the crucial situations, and that's what it takes. Most of all I want to thank the Game of pool for enabling so many people to enjoy this experience and grow from it in their own unique way. Pocket billiards is an incredible test when it's "due or die," and what an incredible game indeed.
I came back from this year's Mosconi Cup a more experienced, stronger, wiser person, with a new found respect and appreciation for life and my fellow players. No matter what your individual opinion is on what happened this year, remember, it's based on only part of the information available. You really do have to experience things first hand to properly evaluate the demands and components involved.
I'm glad there's a Mosconi Cup and it's awesome see what goes on "behind the scenes," in the most intense, exciting and controversial event in the history of pool. This event got the best ratings of any previous Mosconi Cup and also the eyes and ears of the USA TV stations for the first time. Barry Hearn is certainly on the right track and I wish the event and everyone involved tremendous success in the future. 'The Game is the Teacher' CJ Wiley
Every choice that was made I would make again, however there's variables that are impossible to control. The European Coach and I talked after the event and he knew the last days line up was the one that could beat them. We laughed about a few of the "variables" because it was impossible to predict what would happen under that type of pressure. Some of the factors that mattered the most are ones that no one has even brought up. It's certainly no "typical scenario," and that's what makes it both unpredictable and exciting.
We will say this, if anyone thinks they could get up in front of that crowd, under that amount of pressure and play "their" game it's simply a fantasy. I remember running out the winning rack in '96', it was the most pressure I had ever felt and I was very experience playing under pressure! The only thing I could do was set my body precisely and try to deliver the cue as straight as possible. You must condense your whole game down to one thought and commit, or some very "unusual" things can happen.
We're all proud of all the players and we know each one put their heart and soul into this effort, now we must accept the outcome and become better Men as a result. The Mosconi Cup played in London is much more than "just a pool game," it's a chance to come face to face with your greatest challenges, fears and successes all in one intense meeting.
We're happy for the European team and congratulate their victory, they played superb in the crucial situations, and that's what it takes. Most of all I want to thank the Game of pool for enabling so many people to enjoy this experience and grow from it in their own unique way. Pocket billiards is an incredible test when it's "due or die," and what an incredible game indeed.
I came back from this year's Mosconi Cup a more experienced, stronger, wiser person, with a new found respect and appreciation for life and my fellow players. No matter what your individual opinion is on what happened this year, remember, it's based on only part of the information available. You really do have to experience things first hand to properly evaluate the demands and components involved.
I'm glad there's a Mosconi Cup and it's awesome see what goes on "behind the scenes," in the most intense, exciting and controversial event in the history of pool. This event got the best ratings of any previous Mosconi Cup and also the eyes and ears of the USA TV stations for the first time. Barry Hearn is certainly on the right track and I wish the event and everyone involved tremendous success in the future. 'The Game is the Teacher' CJ Wiley
Last edited:
