Mosconi Cup standings after the US Open

[jbart65]

Let's turn to Woodward, who recently said he hasn’t been motivated to play pool “since before Covid.”

The best reasons to pick him are his unquestionable talent and his experience playing in the Mosconi. It’s not his performance or attitude.

Woodward didn't just have an off-year. The number of events he’s played in are among the fewest of any year since he became pro. The first time he’ll leave the U.S. this year for an event outside the country is the 10-Ball Championship in Vietnam next week.

As a result, Woodward’s earnings are on track to be the lowest since 2013 if the pandemic year is omitted. And the biggest chunk of what he earned in 2026 was being part of a three-man team at the World Team Championships.

Big wins? None in 9 ball this year. None, nada, zippo. He got knocked out early in the Florida and U.S. opens and didn’t look especially good. He has ZERO wins over a top 100 Fargo player in 9 ball in 2026.

His only good wins in individual play this year were in 8 ball. He beat Justin Bergman, Carlos Biado and Oliver Szolnoki before bowing out in the final 16 at the World 8-ball Championship.

His performance this year was bad enough. But his effort was even worse. He admitted to not practicing much before recent tournaments. Sjm probably didn’t see or read Woodward’s remarks, but here’s what he said during the U.S. Open.

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/mosconi-reyes-wpm-rankings.589389/post-8501520

Woodward said he is motivated now. He said the other day he hopes he makes the Mosconi team. He knows he is in danger of being left off, missing out on some guaranteed money and perhaps losing sponsors.

 

[jbart65]

Finally Billy Thorpe. He looked great at the U.S. Open. He beat Tyler Styer, Alex Pagulayan and Yannick Pongers and lost a close one to Robbie Capito. Best I’ve ever seen him play.

There is no doubting Thorpe’s motivation or energy. He brings it all the time.

Still, he is the least talented of any player under consideration. He is no longer a full-time professional pool player - he runs a demolition company now. And he has hardly any big wins this year to speak of aside from his U.S. Open performance.

His sole notable victory in 9 ball this year was a 10-9 win over Konrad Konrad Juszczyszyn at the Diamond Open.

Thorpe has also lost this year to a number of lesser-ranked Fargo players. Good, solid American players, granted, but Thorpe loses to them regularly.

This year they include Matt Clatterbuck, Jonathan Pinegar, Raymond Linares, Brandon Shuff and Chris Reinhold.

 

[decent dennis]

Let's turn to Woodward, who recently said he hasn’t been motivated to play pool “since before Covid.”

The best reasons to pick him are his unquestionable talent and his experience playing in the Mosconi. It’s not his performance or attitude.

Woodward didn't just have an off-year. The number of events he’s played in are among the fewest of any year since he became pro. The first time he’ll leave the U.S. this year for an event outside the country is the 10-Ball Championship in Vietnam next week.

As a result, Woodward’s earnings are on track to be the lowest since 2013 if the pandemic year is omitted. And the biggest chunk of what he earned in 2026 was being part of a three-man team at the World Team Championships.

Big wins. None in 9 ball this year. None, nada, zippo. He got knocked out early in the Florida and U.S. opens and didn’t look especially good. He has ZERO wins over a top 100 Fargo player in 9 ball in 2026.

His only good wins in individual play this year were in 8 ball. He beat Justin Bergman, Carlos Biado and Oliver Szolnoki before bowing out in the final 16 at the World 8-ball Championship.

His performance this year was bad enough. But his effort was even worse. He admitted to not practicing much before recent tournaments. Sjm probably didn’t see or read Woodward’s remarks, but here’s what he said during the U.S. Open.

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/mosconi-reyes-wpm-rankings.589389/post-8501520

Woodward said he is motivated now. He said the other day he hopes he makes the Mosconi team. He knows he is in danger of being left off, missing out on some guaranteed money and perhaps losing sponsors.

Johan should pick 6-8 players and have a round robin Mosconi type qualifier and so be it for 2 spots.

 

[skogstokig]

Who’s going to join SVB and Styer? Gorst is a lock, as you note, even if he doesn’t surpass Hohmann in points.

Hohmann is still a very good player. In interviews, he comes across as a gentleman. Friendly, thoughtful and respectful. I applaud all his effort and hard work to become a U.S. citizen. Impossible not to like him.

Still, I admit: I’m not crazy about two-fifths of the players on Team USA not being native born. Yet If Hohmann earns a Mosconi spot on points, he deserves the right to play. I will cheer for him, too, just like the other players.

My bigger quibble is with the decline in his game. Hohmann, 47, does struggle vs better players. He has inexplicable misses at times that seem to be a clear result of his age. In that sense, he's not at David Alcaide’s level.

gentleman is an appropriate word for toastie. his pedigree is undeniable, and he was a favorite player of mine, especially in the dragon promotion years when he blazed through the fields.

but playing wise i just don't see how an older player on the decline would add to the US team. if you watch his matches it's obvious he's become yippier with age. he can get away with the twitches in earlier rounds but usually not in single elim when the pressure rises. and mosconi cup is a lot of pressure.

johan probably knows best on the bergman vs sky issue. if sky practices hard for three months he's probably the safer pick, but it would be interesting to see if bergman's inclusion could make a difference. best case scenario i guess is fedor winning the philippines open? or runner up

 

[sjm]

Let’s say Hohmann is overtaken on points by Gorst. Or he decides to withdraw given his history of playing for Team Europe (three times). Who should be the two wild cards?

There are only three choices, of course. Skyler Woodward, Billy Thorpe and Justin Bergman.

I disagree. Of the three, only Thorpe has even one high finish in WNT play. A much more reasonable view would be that none of them deserve to be selected. Hohmann is worthier than any of them, as he has shown more commitment to the tour than any of them. All four are over 30, and none represent the future of American pool. If Johan picked two young players instead of any of these, he'd have my fullest respect and I don't think America's chances would drop much, if any. His choice to go young in 2018, which did not sit well with many, paid dividends as 23-year-old Tyler Styer played well and helped Team USA to a) break its long losing streak, and b) defend the cup in 2019.

In 2026, Bergman has beated Carlo Biado, David Alcaide, Mickey Krause, Felix Vogel and Arsenis Sevastyanov in long 9 ball races.

The percentage of matches in which he has played well to total matches played is unimpressive. I've already conceded that he is occasionally brilliant and that his conceptualization skills remain very elite.

He also secured wins in the PLP in races to 5 vs. Aloysius Yapp, Kledio Kaci, AJ Manas and Duong Quoc Hoang.

Meaningless. He crashed out in Stage 1 of the PLP despite the absence of Gorst, Filler, SVB, and Shaw. As in every major event in which he played, despite occasional brilliance, he was unable to sustain a high level of play.

Bergman also beat Joshua Filler, Wojciech Szewczyk and Duong Huoc Huang in at the World 8-ball Championship in St Louis. He and Xiao Fang Fu, what’s more, got to the final of the mixed doubles event in St. Louis. That was more impressive than Skyler’s finish in the WPA World Team Championships.

This is the one game that Justin has played in recent years. The World 8ball was on looser pockets than WNT specs, too, and Justin played 8ball against guys who only play it once or twice a year. Still, as in every other major event played, he missed the Top 16. All that said, I'd want Bergman on the team if the Mosconi were an 8ball contest, as it is the one game he played during his long-term absence from major 9ball competition.

Just as important to me, Bergman is motivated to play.

Wow, so sitting out 4 1/2 years of WNT play, including the first seven months of 2026, constitutes motivation and commitment. Skyler and Billy have also been similarly AWOL in WNT ranking events, but at least they have played the WNT since its inception. Coming back for a month doesn't change much.

He wants to play in the Mosconi. He said it was hard to watch the last few years. He came back this year to try to make the team. He is even traveling for the first time ever outside the country for a major event, the World 10-ball Championship in Vietnam.

I'd have to say that a high finish in the World 10ball would likely sway my opinion, but for now, he has yet to have a high finish in any major event in any discipline, so I don't expect much. Noone is looking for a win, but even a Top 16 would show me something.

 

[sjm]

Let's turn to Woodward, who recently said he hasn’t been motivated to play pool “since before Covid.”

The best reasons to pick him are his unquestionable talent and his experience playing in the Mosconi. It’s not his performance or attitude.

Woodward didn't just have an off-year. The number of events he’s played in are among the fewest of any year since he became pro. The first time he’ll leave the U.S. this year for an event outside the country is the 10-Ball Championship in Vietnam next week.

As a result, Woodward’s earnings are on track to be the lowest since 2013 if the pandemic year is omitted. And the biggest chunk of what he earned in 2026 was being part of a three-man team at the World Team Championships.

Big wins? None in 9 ball this year. None, nada, zippo. He got knocked out early in the Florida and U.S. opens and didn’t look especially good. He has ZERO wins over a top 100 Fargo player in 9 ball in 2026.

His only good wins in individual play this year were in 8 ball. He beat Justin Bergman, Carlos Biado and Oliver Szolnoki before bowing out in the final 16 at the World 8-ball Championship.

His performance this year was bad enough. But his effort was even worse. He admitted to not practicing much before recent tournaments. Sjm probably didn’t see or read Woodward’s remarks, but here’s what he said during the U.S. Open.

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/mosconi-reyes-wpm-rankings.589389/post-8501520

Woodward said he is motivated now. He said the other day he hopes he makes the Mosconi team. He knows he is in danger of being left off, missing out on some guaranteed money and perhaps losing sponsors.

Agreed 100%. Skyler just hasn't earned a spot. I suspect he realizes it, too. His relative absence from WNT ranking events this year speaks volumes.

 

[jbart65]

I disagree. Of the three, only Thorpe has even one high finish in WNT play. A much more reasonable view would be that none of them deserve to be selected.

You can be dogged at times, sjm. Very dogged! The only thing I agree with you with is the part I put in bold.

All three are over 30, and none represent the future of American pool. If Johan picked two young players instead of any of these, he'd have my fullest respect and I don't think America's chances would drop much, if any.

Like I said, dogged!

There is only one young U.S. player actually eligible by WNT rules whose inclusion might not hurt so bad. Sam Henderson. He might be able to hang with the big boys.

There are no others, as of now, sjm.

Fracasso-Verner would have fit, but he's hurt. Nathan Childress would be the next-best option, but he's a big step down from Bergman-Woodward-Thorpe. Payne McBride? Nope. He's not even on the WNT rankings list for U.S players. Shane Wolford? Hasn't played in enough events to be eligible. Nor has any other young player not listed here.

 

[sjm]

Let's turn to Woodward, who recently said he hasn’t been motivated to play pool “since before Covid.”

The best reasons to pick him are his unquestionable talent and his experience playing in the Mosconi. It’s not his performance or attitude.

Woodward didn't just have an off-year. The number of events he’s played in are among the fewest of any year since he became pro. The first time he’ll leave the U.S. this year for an event outside the country is the 10-Ball Championship in Vietnam next week.

As a result, Woodward’s earnings are on track to be the lowest since 2013 if the pandemic year is omitted. And the biggest chunk of what he earned in 2026 was being part of a three-man team at the World Team Championships.

Big wins? None in 9 ball this year. None, nada, zippo. He got knocked out early in the Florida and U.S. opens and didn’t look especially good. He has ZERO wins over a top 100 Fargo player in 9 ball in 2026.

His only good wins in individual play this year were in 8 ball. He beat Justin Bergman, Carlos Biado and Oliver Szolnoki before bowing out in the final 16 at the World 8-ball Championship.

His performance this year was bad enough. But his effort was even worse. He admitted to not practicing much before recent tournaments. Sjm probably didn’t see or read Woodward’s remarks, but here’s what he said during the U.S. Open.

https://forums.azbilliards.com/threads/mosconi-reyes-wpm-rankings.589389/post-8501520

Woodward said he is motivated now. He said the other day he hopes he makes the Mosconi team. He knows he is in danger of being left off, missing out on some guaranteed money and perhaps losing sponsors.

Agreed 100%. Skyler just hasn't earned a spot. I suspect he realizes it, too.

You can be dogged at times, sjm. Very dogged! The only thing I agree with you with is the part I put in bold.

Like I said, dogged!

There is only one young U.S. player actually eligible by WNT rules whose inclusion might not hurt so bad. Sam Henderson. He might be able to hang with the big boys.

There are no others, as of now, sjm.

Fracasso-Verner would have fit, but he's hurt. Nathan Childress would be the next-best option, but he's a big step down from Bergman-Woodward-Thorpe. Payne McBride? Nope. He's not even on the WNT rankings list for U.S players. Shane Wolford? Hasn't played in enough events to be eligible. Nor has any other young player not listed here.

Guess I'm not up to date. What rules? Earl got in a few years ago despite playing in just one WNT major. Once upon a time, Filler was omitted due to missing just one WNT major. Are there now criteria for inclusion/omission?

If Johan' s hand is forced and he has to go with some of the undeserving, I'm fine with the Bergman pick, and not just because I was a big fan of his in his prime. Still, Thorpe is in better form right now. At the US Open 9ball, Billy demolished Pagulayan and Pongers and gave eventual runner-up Capito a real run for his money in the round of 16.

PS FYI, I watched some of Sam Henderson's play at the US Open. He is playing quite well and I agree that he is the youngster with the best chance to succeed in a tough spot like the Mosconi. Payne McBride, whose Fargo rose about 25 points in the last year or so, is progressing nicely, but he is not getting over the finish line in big spots. He played SVB very tough at the WNT Florida Open and was 6-6 with Labutis at the US Open 9ball until Pijus closed him out. Good chance the 20-year-old will find his way onto Team USA down the road but he is not there yet.

 

[jbart65]

Guess I'm not up to date. What rules? Earl got in a few years ago despite playing in just one WNT major. Once upon a time, Filler was omitted due to missing just one WNT major. Are there now criteria for inclusion/omission?

Good question! WNT refuses to make its rules public in a big disservice to fans and players.

No one really knows what the rules are, but the rumor is a player has to participate in at least two big major WNT events a year.

Lukas Fracasso-Verner was recently removed from the WNT rankings of U.S. players eligible for Mosconi Cup after his injury. He only played in one WNT major this year before his accident. That would appear to give credence to the rumors.

Chua was similarly removed from Reyes eligibility. He has played in no WNT majors this year.

If Johan' s hand is forced and he has to go with some of the undeserving, I'm fine with the Bergman pick, and not just because I was a big fan of his in his prime. Still, Thorpe is in better form right now. At the US Open 9ball, Billy demolished Pagulayan and Pongers and gave eventual runner-up Capito a real run for his money in the round of 16.

If I appear to be pushing Bergman, it's only because I have to work with the thin gruel on which the US Mosconi team derives its meager sustenance! I would not quibble if Thorpe were picked, but his U.S. Open run was his only sparkling performance this year.

PS FYI, I watched some of Sam Henderson's play at the US Open. He is playing quite well and I agree that he is the youngster with the best chance to succeed in a tough spot like the Mosconi. Payne McBride, whose Fargo rose about 25 points in the last year or so, is progressing nicely, but he is not getting over the finish line in big spots. He played SVB very tough at the WNT Florida Open and was 6-6 with Labutis at the US Open 9ball until Pijus closed him out. Good chance the 20-year-old will find his way onto Team USA down the road but he is not there yet.

The under-25 crop for the U.S. is ultra thin, particularly if minimum WNT participation is taken into account.

Fracasso-Verner (Fargo 767) is the best of the bunch, assuming he comes back from injury. Turns 25 next month.

Twenty-year-old Henderson (Fargo 738) is probably next best, but Nathan Childress (745) has come on strong lately.

Childress, 23, beat Moritz Neuhausen in Arizona, 10-7, for his biggest win ever. He is the only young American to play in every big WNT major this year. Nice game, though nothing jumps out at me. I think he has to get in better shape to help elevate his game.

Payne McBride (Fargo 709, but probably higher now) is the only other American who appeared in enough WNT events to qualify. McBride, 20, never got to the knockout stage of a big WNT event and earned zero points.

Beyond those four, I have the highest hope for 18-year-old Harrison Leinen. He played at all five of the recen WNT events events in the U.S. and showed a ton of game.

I haven't seen much of him, but Landon Hollingsworth (Fargo 740) has been very competitive in WNT events lately.

***
The pickings are even thinner beyond the players listed above. Most top-ranked juniors had ample chance to join part of the WNT's U.S swing, but very few did.

Take Laz Martinez. Fargo 748. One of our top youngsters. But he mostly plays money matches. I don't think he has ever played in a WNT event.

Maybe a few more youngsters will emerge from the mists, as Leinen did this summer, but visibility into rising juniors is low.

 

[sjm]

Good question! WNT refuses to make its rules public in a big disservice to fans and players.

No one really knows what the rules are, but the rumor is a player has to participate in at least two big major WNT events a year.

Lukas Fracasso-Verner was recently removed from the WNT rankings of U.S. players eligible for Mosconi Cup after his injury. He only played in one WNT major this year before his accident. That would appear to give credence to the rumors.

Chua was similarly removed from Reyes eligibility. He has played in no WNT majors this year.

If I appear to be pushing Bergman, it's only because I have to work with the thin gruel on which the US Mosconi team derives its meager sustenance! I would not quibble if Thorpe were picked, but his U.S. Open run was his only sparkling performance this year.

The under-25 crop for the U.S. is ultra thin, particularly if minimum WNT participation is taken into account.

Fracasso-Verner (Fargo 767) is the best of the bunch, assuming he comes back from injury. Turns 25 next month.

Twenty-year-old Henderson (Fargo 738) is probably next best, but Nathan Childress (745) has come on strong lately.

Childress, 23, beat Moritz Neuhausen in Arizona, 10-7, for his biggest win ever. He is the only young American to play in every big WNT major this year. Nice game, though nothing jumps out at me. I think he has to get in better shape to help elevate his game.

Payne McBride (Fargo 709, but probably higher now) is the only other American who appeared in enough WNT events to qualify. McBride, 20, never got to the knockout stage of a big WNT event and earned zero points.

Beyond those four, I have the highest hope for 18-year-old Harrison Leinen. He played at all five of the recen WNT events events in the U.S. and showed a ton of game.

I haven't seen much of him, but Landon Hollingsworth (Fargo 740) has been very competitive in WNT events lately.

***
The pickings are even thinner beyond the players listed above. Most top-ranked juniors had ample chance to join part of the WNT's U.S swing, but very few did.

Take Laz Martinez. Fargo 748. One of top youngsters. But he mostly plays money matches. I don't think he has ever played in a WNT event.

Maybe a few more youngsters will emerge from the mists, as Leinen did this summer, but visibility into rising juniors is low.

The message here seems to be that American participation in WNT has hit bottom and that we have almost nobody worthy of playing on Team USA. It also seems that there is little help on the way.

Team Europe would be wise to take a dive this year just to ensure that this annual encounter can continue.

 

[Island Drive]

He's been living in the USA for a good 20 years, and obtained his USA Citizenship a few years ago. The exact same thing happened with Allison Fischer. They both represent USA now in international competition.

In another few years Team USA might be all Europeans

All my family's from Europe.

 

[jasonlaus]

Johan should pick 6-8 players and have a round robin Mosconi type qualifier and so be it for 2 spots.

We'd all watch - call it The Road to the Mosconi Cup

 

[sudocrushms]

I'd have to put Billy at #4 personally. He's been playing really well and making smart decisions at the table.
Sky doesn't seem interested. He's absolutely got the talent, but if you want a chance against Europe you gotta put the work in.

I think it ends up being Fedor, SVB, Styer, Billy, then a tossup between Sky, Oscar, and Bergman.

 

[jay helfert]

The message here seems to be that American participation in WNT has hit bottom and that we have almost nobody worthy of playing on Team USA. It also seems that there is little help on the way.

Team Europe would be wise to take a dive this year just to ensure that this annual encounter can continue.

Where have all the flowers gone, a long time ago.

 

[skip100]

Sky seems to be expressing interest and regret now that he has been told he won’t have a guaranteed spot on the team like the past few years.

 

[ibuycues]

Team Europe would be wise to take a dive this year just to ensure that this annual encounter can continue.

I’ve been following everyone’s analysis and have found it both substantial and analytically excellent.
This comment by SJM is so out of character I was compelled to comment.
Wow, maybe your comment doesn’t belong.
Really? Take a dive? In what way do you mean it?
Lower skill sets or an actual dive? Either way is awkward.

Will Prout

 

[jay helfert]

I’ve been following everyone’s analysis and have found it both substantial and analytically excellent.
This comment by SJM is so out of character I was compelled to comment.
Wow, maybe your comment doesn’t belong.
Really? Take a dive? In what way do you mean it?
Lower skill sets or an actual dive? Either way is awkward.

Will Prout

I think it was made in jest, due to the USA being unable to form a competitive team for years now. This year will be the same old, same old and I think it gets frustrating for us diehards pulling for the U.S. team.

 

[ibuycues]

I think it was made in jest, due to the USA being unable to form a competitive team for years now. This year will be the same old, same old and I think it gets frustrating for us diehards pulling for the U.S. team.

I clearly get the whole jest thing, but was just surprised not to see an LOL, a heh, heh, heh, or something.

 

[jay helfert]

I clearly get the whole jest thing, but was just surprised not to see an LOL, a heh, heh, heh, or something.

If the USA gets past 6 I will be surprised. Come on Billy, light the fire!

 

[Tennesseejoe]

I’ve been following everyone’s analysis and have found it both substantial and analytically excellent.
This comment by SJM is so out of character I was compelled to comment.
Wow, maybe your comment doesn’t belong.
Really? Take a dive? In what way do you mean it?
Lower skill sets or an actual dive? Either way is awkward.

Will Prout

Who would you pick for the American team? And what would be their chances?