*** Official Mosconi Cup 2009 Thread ***

I figured out we needed a thread with stars in the title

I heard that the arena with room for 400 spectators are sold out for today, so this will be great! I know that the Europeans and the Americans are ready, and are now only killing time for this to get started.

And so do I. And to be honest, I am actually nervous.

I believe USA's team of today would have won against Europe's team in 2007 and it would have been a lot closer last year with the line-up USA is having today.

Europe is still the favourite, but with 380 Americans in the crowd and 20 Europeans, it won't help being favourite. It will be a real confidence-injection for the Americans today, with the massive crowd-support, but will it be enough?

Let the games begin!!! (App 3 hours till kick-off)

So, who do you think will play today?

Today's matches will be:

Team match, all 5
Double match
Single match
Double match
Single match (players picked by opponents captain)

My guess for the line up on Day 1

Team Europe
All 5
Feijen & Souquet
Immonen
Hohmann & Appleton
Appleton picked by Varner

Team USA
All 5
Archer & Van Boening
Hatch
Deuel & Dominguez
Dominguez picked by Lely

sidepocket7 said:

Does anyone know if there will be an online stream of the MC, and if so, at what site?
Thanks
-Dave

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If you have Sopcast downloadedy you will most likely be able to watch Sky Sports on that. Don't have the exact address yet, but someone will find it at the start of the event.

I wonder if Ralf Souquet will bring his guns to the battle today

And I am crossing my fingers, hoping that Darren Appleton will wait with the cigar till the last 9-ball is pocketed and that Niels Feijen won't spend all the $$ before they've actually managed to win...

Good luck guys!

corvette1340 said:

I'm guessing you didn't know that I have a copyright on the little stars that make threads official. Kindly send me $208 on paypal or remove them.

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What is this paypal that you speak of?

It starts in 1h and 40 minutes, and will have the same starting time all four days.

TimKrazyMon said:

Really?!?! I would think Hatch would be the pick there.

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Could be, I am only guessing.

I believe Oscar is the "weakest" on Team USA, and that's why I think Alex Lely will pick him.

Jaden said:

You think that the number one player in the US is the weakest??

ok....

Jaden

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Yes, I do.

I think Johnny Archer, Shane Van Boening, Corey Deuel and Dennis Hatch are all better players than Oscar Dominguez. I am not saying that he is bad, but out of those 5, he is not the best.

Jonni Fulcher was on top of the European ranking two years ago, but I don't think you would find one European saying that he was the best European player.

Varner fires out a warning to the European side


USA captain Nick Varner has warned his European opponents: We're here to win the cup back.

A presentation evening took place at the Shibuya restaurant at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of the start of the event on Thursday.

Both captains made speeches, while all players from both sides were announced to a small set of fans, officials and sponsors.

Varner said: "The Mosconi Cup has always been the most exciting event in pool. Team play brings a lot more excitement to the game and with the Mosconi Cup I found that out first hand.

"This year we've got three new players with Oscar Dominguez and Dennis Hatch making their first appearances while we didn't have Corey Deuel last year.

"Then we have Shane Van Boening making his third appearance and then hall of famer Johnny Archer. Barry Hearn has previously said that Johnny is the back bone of the US team.

"I'm really happy with my team and we have a strong team. I would like to thank the promoters, Barry Hearn and his staff, all the sponsors and Sky Sports - we're going to have a ball this week.

"My team has a message for Team Europe. You have the cup, but we want the cup and Team USA is coming to get that cup."

European captain Alex Lely, who guided his side to victory last year, added: "This is the 16th event and I've played in two Mosconi Cups but by best moment was last year even though I never held a cue. It was great to win in Malta but now in Las Vegas we're in the lions' den.

"Europe is gaining momentum and we've not reached maximum speed yet. We have five World Champions and I'm really looking forward to this week.

"We're here to retain the cup and we have the heart, pride and passion to do so. Enjoy the show."