2014 Mosconi Cup: Team Europe v. Team Asia

[JAM]

I would like to propose a new format for the 2014 Mosconi Cup. I think there is a bigger lot of players to choose from with Asia than America. As I have stated ad nauseum, the existing lot of American professional players is dwindling and continues to die a slow and ugly death.

But what's worse is the majority of the American pool fans themselves. I can't even call them "supporters" or "enthusiasts" anymore. I am ashamed at how some in the American pool culture regard American professional players. Some Americans support Europeans players over American players and write about it over and over and over again on this very forum, and that's okay. Everybody is entitled to their likes and dislikes.

I am ashamed, however, that some Americans have no appreciation for Mosconi Cup, Matchroom Sport, and Barry Hearn. In my opinon, the American pool world is not worthy of Barry Hearn's endeavors.

We can all still root for our favorite European and/or Asian player in the 2014 Mosconi Cup. If somebody knows Barry Hearn, I hope they can relay this thought to him for next year, and please give him a sincere thank-you for all the years of pure pool bliss that he has given to me as an American pool fan. Thanks for the memories.

 

[kolaas]

The Cup is as it is.. but I would love to see an Asian team as well and make USA a North American team. Not good for my Europe, but will give great matches and lots of teamsupport.

 

[JAM]

The Cup is as it is.. but I would love to see an Asian team as well and make USA a North American team. Not good for my Europe, but will give great matches and lots of teamsupport.

I am of the belief that this should be the last year for Team USA. I would like to see Matchroom Sport appreciated for their efforts, and the pool culture in Asia and Europe seems more appreciative and supportive for future Mosconi Cups. Most Americans don't like American pros; therein likes the problem.:embarrassed2:

 

[SakuJack]

But what's worse is the majority of the American pool fans themselves. I can't even call them "supporters" or "enthusiasts" anymore. I am ashamed

and that's okay. Everybody is entitled to their likes and dislikes.

Hmm. If it's "okay" then why make a point about it?

 

[JAM]

Hmm. If it's "okay" then why make a point about it?

Same reason you reply to my post, I guess. Some folks just like to nitpick others for sport.

 

[Scherf]

I am of the belief that this should be the last year for Team USA. I would like to see Matchroom Sport appreciated for their efforts, and the pool culture in Asia and Europe seems more appreciative and supportive for future Mosconi Cups. Most Americans don't like American pros; therein likes the problem.:embarrassed2:

JAM, I really think you've lost it. Billiards may be struggling right now, but why would you want to take something like the Mosconi Cup away from all of us that do love American pool. If you think there should be a competition between Asia and Europe then you go set it up and call it the McCreedy Cup. Or if your so mad at Americans then go move to Europe or Asia and leave us the hell alone.

 

[JAM]

JAM, I really think you've lost it. Billiards may be struggling right now, but why would you want to take something like the Mosconi Cup away from all of us that do love American pool. If you think there should be a competition between Asia and Europe then you go set it up and call it the McCreedy Cup. Or if your so mad at Americans then go move to Europe or Asia and leave us the hell alone.

LOL. I won't be moving anytime soon.

That said, it is gratifying to see an American who does appreciate the Mosconi Cup. :clapping::clapping::clapping:

 

[SakuJack]

JAM, I really think you've lost it. Billiards may be struggling right now, but why would you want to take something like the Mosconi Cup away from all of us that do love American pool.

Because people don't rate Dennis Hatch, it seems.

 

[JAM]

Because people don't rate Dennis Hatch, it seems.

Truth be told, I still cannot get my head around an American stating that Barry Hearns is trying to "fix" the Mosconi Cup so Americans will win. It has nothing to do with Dennis Hatch.

If you're going to nitpick, use the correct bullets before you fire, only to come with a miss.:grin-square:

 

[Pidge]

I don't want to see Europe vs Asia. Europe vs USA is the only way Europe can win every year

 

[Ken_4fun]

Well -

I guess I dont understand the Mosconi Cup either. To me it is like the WORLD SERIES and then dont invite everyone.

Frankly, I would love to see an Asia team.

JAM - I think you are wrong. What good is having a tournament and only invite people you can beat? (Assuming we can beat Europe)

If I was called World Champion, I would want to be the best in the world. If I invite my friends over to play pool can I call myself World Champion if I beat all of them?

My point is pool is played worldwide, and I am glad it is. When I watch the Olympics, I always like to see Team USA win, but if the Russians or Chinese arent invited how hollow would that victory be?

The other point people are trying to make is, like the Olympics you have trials to "win" a spot on the team. We dont pick people because of association. IMO, if we are going to go, we should take a team that represents the USA in a positive light and are as strong as possible.

Earl is a distraction, IMO. Compare him to someone like a Nick Varner. The other suggestion I made is Justin Hall, Skylar Woodward, Landon Shuffett (remember the youngster that POUNDED Earl - see Youtube for reference). What a thrill it would be for these young guys to represent the USA in the Mosconi Cup.

JAM - you hold all of us in contempt because we dont share your views. Its hard for me to be enthusiastic for a team that includes couple guys that went away "to school" and a guy that even his supporters claim "can go off the deep end". If you look at past performance should anyone reasonable expect something different?

I wish you and all my brothers at AZ the best.

Best of rolls,

Ken

 

[JAM]

Well -

I guess I dont understand the Mosconi Cup either. To me it is like the WORLD SERIES and then dont invite everyone.

Frankly, I would love to see an Asia team.

JAM - I think you are wrong. What good is having a tournament and only invite people you can beat? (Assuming we can beat Europe)

If I was called World Champion, I would want to be the best in the world. If I invite my friends over to play pool can I call myself World Champion if I beat all of them?

My point is pool is played worldwide, and I am glad it is. When I watch the Olympics, I always like to see Team USA win, but if the Russians or Chinese arent invited how hollow would that victory be?

The other point people are trying to make is, like the Olympics you have trials to "win" a spot on the team. We dont pick people because of association. IMO, if we are going to go, we should take a team that represents the USA in a positive light and are as strong as possible.

Earl is a distraction, IMO. Compare him to someone like a Nick Varner. The other suggestion I made is Justin Hall, Skylar Woodward, Landon Shuffett (remember the youngster that POUNDED Earl - see Youtube for reference). What a thrill it would be for these young guys to represent the USA in the Mosconi Cup.

JAM - you hold all of us in contempt because we dont share your views. Its hard for me to be enthusiastic for a team that includes couple guys that went away "to school" and a guy that even his supporters claim "can go off the deep end". If you look at past performance should anyone reasonable expect something different?

I wish you and all my brothers at AZ the best.

Best of rolls,

Ken

Well, Ken, I refuse to enter into a debate with you about the pros and cons of Earl Strickland, if he is chosen, on Team USA for the 2013 Mosconi Cup. Not the point of this thread.

Everyone, of course, is entitled to their thoughts on who should be chosen for the elite Mosconi Cup. :smile:

There is no organization in the United States for professional pool, no tour for the pros. The BCA has turned its back on professional pool as if it doesn't exist, yet they are supposed to be our so-called "governing body" in the eyes of the WPA for North America.

Because of the chaos and politics in American professional pool, Matchroom Sport has had to change the selection criteria almost every year for the Mosconi Cup, especially for the Americans.

I remember when the UPA was prominent and how the UPA hand-picked their favorites without adhering to their own so-called UPA rankings. It was disgusting to see Kid Delicous in 2004 not get invited to the BCA Open, which was really an invitational, with half the field being picked by the UPA. In 2004, Kid Delicous was the best American pro in tournaments. The UPA claimed they couldn't get a hold of him to invite him. Hogwash! Matchroom Sport recognized this favoritism and changed their selection criteria to *not* be based on rankings in the U.S.

I only bring up this example to illustrate why Matchroom Sport has had to do the best they can when choosing the teams.

Look at Europe. Some of the top Euro pros are living in America and not competing in the European tour. I was literally shocked when the BCA gave Mika Immonen a BCA "invite" to compete in the China Open a few years ago. Mika couldn't compete in the China Open because he hadn't competed in enough events on the Euro tour.

The entire pool political framework around the world is a mess. Matchroom Sport does the best they can. Whatever they do, I can assure that it won't please everybody. I think we can all agree that that's a given.

 

[Tooler]

I am of the belief that this should be the last year for Team USA. I would like to see Matchroom Sport appreciated for their efforts, and the pool culture in Asia and Europe seems more appreciative and supportive for future Mosconi Cups. Most Americans don't like American pros; therein likes the problem.:embarrassed2:

Most Americans don't even know what the Mosconi Cup is.

Most American pool players could give a crap about the Cup.Unless it's filled with beer.
It's been that way since day one.

I think you take the forum just a little to seriously.I think most of the haters just like to stir the pot.There is no USA team that will please everyone.I mean, how many times can the same 8-10 players be re-shuffled?

And, isn't it called the Mosconi Cup?
If the Americans are replaced,then the name should be also....

Maybe we should just call it the Euro Cup.

 

[jhanso18]

Jam, take a happy pill and a deep breath. How are you going to have the MOSCONI cup, no involve an American team, when MOSCONI WAS AMERICAN. I'd like to see it expanded so that North America is allowed. Throw Alex and maybe John in the mix from the north.


I could get into it way more indepth, and I will touch on it in another thread, as this one gave me an idea or two. Fact is though, not much worth supporting in USA pro pool...

 

[JAM]

Jam, take a happy pill and a deep breath. How are you going to have the MOSCONI cup, no involve an American team, when MOSCONI WAS AMERICAN. I'd like to see it expanded so that North America is allowed. Throw Alex and maybe John in the mix from the north.


I could get into it way more indepth, and I will touch on it in another thread, as this one gave me an idea or two. Fact is though, not much worth supporting in USA pro pool...

The name "Mosconi" is universal, don't you think? :smile:

I agree with you, though, about it being expanded. Europe is a conglomeration of countries, and obviously, the USA is one country.

Expansion makes sense to me.

 

[voiceofreason]

Well -

I guess I dont understand the Mosconi Cup either. To me it is like the WORLD SERIES and then dont invite everyone.

"In its earliest days, the Mosconi Cup was created by Sky Sports and Matchroom Sport as an exhibition event to increase public awareness of pool in the United Kingdom. In the first year of competition some of the WPBA's top players played alongside the men in their respective teams. These included Franziska Stark from Germany, Allison Fisher from England, Jeanette Lee and Vivian Villarreal from the United States."

"As time progressed, the event evolved from its exhibition nature into a much more serious and professional tournament, and earning a place in the event has acquired a great deal of prestige. Early on many snooker players participated, but of these only Steve Davis remained into the event's more serious era, bowing out when the event began to clash with snooker's UK Championship (for which he appeared as both a player and a BBC commentator)."

"After Davis' withdrawal, all players had to earn an invitation through their performances at other events, meaning that no more snooker players appeared until 2007, when Tony Drago earned a place by virtue of his performance on the European Pool Tour, and won the tournament's Most Valuable Player award for his unbeaten run in the singles matches."

 

[CreeDo]

For those who aren't following, this is JAM being upset that RG called matchroom/hearn a "joke" in another thread.
Which he apparently did because it appears Hearn is stacking things in america's favor by not choosing Thorsten.

I guess she feels if RG can't appreciate a successful event with a nice payday (even for losing),
then he's an ingrate and the entire USA doesn't deserve matchroom's money and attention,
because our fans are such jerks who bite the hand that feeds them.

I think it's a bit of an overreaction on both parts. RG has a legit concern, but he seems to be missing
the big picture and getting angsty (possibly because Thorsten is a personal friend?).
JAM, it's OK for one guy to rant about the team picks. They're always controversial
and being upset is normal. You don't need to 'punish' RG with a sarcastic thread
specifically aimed at shaming him for his harsh words.

 

[JAM]

For those who aren't following, this is JAM being upset that RG called matchroom/hearn a "joke" in another thread.
Which he apparently did because it appears Hearn is stacking things in america's favor by not choosing Thorsten.

I guess she feels if RG can't appreciate a successful event with a nice payday (even for losing),
then he's an ingrate and the entire USA doesn't deserve matchroom's money and attention,
because our fans are such jerks who bite the hand that feeds them.

I think it's a bit of an overreaction on both parts. RG has a legit concern, but he seems to be missing
the big picture and getting angsty (possibly because Thorsten is a personal friend?).
JAM, it's OK for one guy to rant about the team picks. They're always controversial
and being upset is normal. You don't need to 'punish' RG with a sarcastic thread
specifically aimed at shaming him for his harsh words.

But it's okay for RG to shame Barry Hearns with his accusation? I am a nobody in the pool world. Barry Hearns is an important figure. He's being inducted this year into the BCA Hall of Fame.

FWIW, after careful consideration of all factors involved, to include the mess that American professional pool is in, I actually do believe that the next Mosconi Cup should be Team Asia v. Team Europe.

It's okay for you to write what you think I think, but you are wrong in this instance.

 

[btown]

JAM. YOU MOVE TO ASIA. YOU ARE WHATS WRONG

TAKE YOUR PILLS

thanks..

Or instead of making this stupid thread because 1 person out of hundred of millions posted something you don't like, how about you just PM him and save us all from your rage.

is this how you wake up on Fridays?

 

[voiceofreason]

Thorsten's run of form primarily began after the teams were picked.