Mosconi Cup Thread

[sniper]

The Mosconi Cup starts today and the wait is finally over! The pairings have been named and I was curious to see what you think of Archer and Ortmanns pairings (coming from an American perspective)


Niels Feijen & Steve Davis v Charlie Williams & Tony Robles
Oliver Ortmann & Thomas Engert v Johnny Archer & Gabe Owen
Mika Immonen & Marcus Chamat v Earl Strickland & Rodney Morris


I like Strickland and Morris being together as they both play similar speeds, Ortmann and Engert could be lethal if Engert is on his game, I would also let Oliver take all the breaks as Engert has a weak break...probably the only weakness to his game. Any predictions out there? FYI I'm cheering for Europe, can't cheer for the US after Earl "Hollywood" Stricklands actions last year. Too bad the event isn't televised live over here

 

[azhousepro]

It is a little unfair to make comments when 2 of the three matches are over, but here I go anyways.

I think Archer put his 2 weakest players out first and I definitely think both teams put their strongest pairings out last. As much as Williams and Robles struggled last year, it is not a surprise that they lost in the first match of the day. It was close though.

Surprised that Archer struggled as much as he did today, but it sounds like Gabe came through for the US. I think Gabe is a great player but I really thought that Jeremy should have gone this year. We know that Archer is not going to struggle for 4 days, and it seems that Gabe is already hitting them good.

Morris and Strickland is a team that should be a lot of fun. It is just too bad that they are playing in Holland. The crowds in the US would go nuts with these two playing together.

It is already 1-1, so I predict that the US will go up 2-1 today. Not just because I am from the US, but because I think Rodney and Earl are going to play well as a team and take their match.

Overall prediction. US wins, but it is close. 11-8 or 11-9

Mike

 

[JAM]

This is brutal not being able to "see" the event as it unfolds.

Hopefully, some of the family of AzBilliards' posters who are fortunate enough to attend will provide some updates. I haven't had much luck with website real-time video streams on my dial-up modem at home.

I think Johnny Archer made a good choice when he picked duos for the U.S. team.

Rodney and Earl will complement each other's style of play. Mika and Marcus are good friends, having enjoyed their globe-trotting pool journey together on many occasions, and will be comfortable partners in this setting. If I had to pick between 'em, I think the U.S. will win this round.

This is exciting pool, and it is a bummer not to be able to watch it. Keep those updates coming for the inquiring minds back home.

Go USA. Bring home the Mosconi Cup! USA, all the way. USA, all the way.

JAM

 

[Luke Riches]

Try the Official Site

JAM

For up to the minute coverage try www.mosconicup.com


Best wishes


Luke Riches
Matchroom Sport

 

[Celtic]

Surprised that Archer struggled as much as he did today, but it sounds like Gabe came through for the US. I think Gabe is a great player but I really thought that Jeremy should have gone this year. We know that Archer is not going to struggle for 4 days, and it seems that Gabe is already hitting them good.

I agree that Jones should be there for the USA, he is clearly still one of the top players in the game, and then they could have matched Gabe and Jones on a team as they are good friends. I dont think Jones should replace Gabe, instead lose Williams or maybe Robles. Team should have been Strickland, Archer, Owens, Jones, Morris, and then pick one of Williams or Robles, or maybe even someone else like a Deull who when it really comes down to it is probably a step above Williams or Robles when the chips are on the table. The USA not having Jones or Duell on the team is really not doing them any favours and I still think the UPA being the major body of rankings that chooses the Mosconi cup team for the USA is garbage. They should choose based on events like the US Open, the Sands, and any of the big events in the USA, not just the UPA stuff that is both very limited in actual events and gets questionable support from the players.

 

[sniper]

Good prediction Mike, the US could have easily been up 3-0.

 

[sjm]

These teams look dead even on paper to me. I think it's going to be ridiculously close.

 

[JAM]

JAM

For up to the minute coverage try www.mosconicup.com


Best wishes


Luke Riches
Matchroom Sport

Now that's the way I like it! Thanks for the link, Luke Riches!

What's next on the menu? Looks like Rodney Morris and Earl Strickland enjoyed a little Nordic salmon filet and a Swedish meatball for lunch!

Having just recently seen Niels Feijen of The Netherlands win big at the Skins Billiards Championship in Atlantic City, he looks like he's on top of his game and is THE one to watch on the Blue Team. He came in third in the U.S. Open this year, and fifth the year before. He's got a comfy home-team advantage, which is sweet having the peanut gallery rooting for you. Glad to read that The Pearl is now content!

The first time I met Niels Feijen, I was surprised he spoke English so fluently with absolutely no accent! I think he is sponsored by his country's Olympic Committee.

USA is off to a good start! Niels, depicted below, has a really smooth stroke and is THE one to keep an eye on (IMO).

JAM

 

[JAM]

I agree that Jones should be there for the USA, he is clearly still one of the top players in the game, and then they could have matched Gabe and Jones on a team as they are good friends...The USA not having Jones or Duell on the team is really not doing them any favours, and I still think the UPA being the major body of rankings that chooses the Mosconi cup team for the USA is garbage. They should choose based on events like the US Open, the Sands, and any of the big events in the USA, not just the UPA stuff that is both very limited in actual events and gets questionable support from the players.

I hear ya', Celtic! I don't think they used the UPA rankings for all of the eligibility requirements, i.e., Earl Strickland. Currently, the UPA is the ONLY professional body governing men's professional pool in the United States. A couple of players come to my mind that I think are good enough to play in the prestigious Mosconi Cup, but there can only be six players.

Johnny Archer, Charlie Williams, Tony Robles, and Rodney Morris must have been the top UPA ranked players at the time the Mosconi Cup sought a players list from the United States. I think having Gabe Owen, due to his recent U.S. Open championship, is the right choice. The U.S. Open title is worthy of respect. Gabe is the New Kid on the Block, and I believe he should be entitled to play in the Mosconi Cup. And you never know what's going to happen with the colorful Earl Strickland in the cockpit. When it comes to competition in a high-profile event, he's a trooper, and I'm sure glad The Pearl is on our side.

Some players here in the States won't travel abroad due to financial and personal reasons, and there have been several instances when American players were chosen to travel abroad in a high-profile event, but chose not to.

In these times of high security for Americans traveling abroad, I salute each member of the Red Team for making this trek. They are a fine representation of American pool as it currently exists today, and I think each one of them will make us proud. Go USA, all the way! Bring home the Mosconi Cup.

BTW, as shown below, Marcus "The Little Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden has a great spirit, and it's always a pleasure running into him on the tournament trail here in the States. I hope he decides to come to the Derby City Classic next month. Last year, he was a hoot!

JAM

 

[JAM]

The Red Team has all the right ingredients: the current U.S. Open champ chomping at the bit, the Korean Dragon, a New York Silent Assassin, a Rocket with an ear-shattering break, America's Shining Pearl, and the deadly Scorpian!

Hall of Famer Nick Varner was the captain last year and booked us a winner! Johnny Archer is at the helm this year and won't let us down. TEAM USA is a tough bunch, and I think we're going to prevail AGAIN this year!

My favorite picture of Johnny Archer with Keith! Don't ever underestimate the sting of the Scorpian!

JAM

 

[JAM]

The Silent Assassin

An American with high family morals, strong integrity, and an admirable professional demeanor, Tony "The Silent Assassin" Robles of New York can, and will, strike without warning!

JAM

 

[JAM]

The Rocket's Red Glare...

Rodney "The Rocket" Morris has a good track record playing overseas, having won a few notches on his belt already, and is comfortable playing before a crowd. He has a very relaxed demeanor and good focus, especially with all the table sharks associated with being televised.

He's a quiet warrior from Hawaii, but makes his presence known as soon as he enters the pit. The Rocket is Team USA's secret weapon!

Rodney always dresses to the Nines when he's competing, always remembering to keep his shirt tucked in!

JAM

 

[pro9dg]

I hear ya', Celtic! I don't think they used the UPA rankings for all of the eligibility requirements, i.e., Earl Strickland. Currently, the UPA is the ONLY professional body governing men's professional pool in the United States. A couple of players come to my mind that I think are good enough to play in the prestigious Mosconi Cup, but there can only be six players.

Johnny Archer, Charlie Williams, Tony Robles, and Rodney Morris must have been the top UPA ranked players at the time the Mosconi Cup sought a players list from the United States. I think having Gabe Owen, due to his recent U.S. Open championship, is the right choice. The U.S. Open title is worthy of respect. Gabe is the New Kid on the Block, and I believe he should be entitled to play in the Mosconi Cup. And you never know what's going to happen with the colorful Earl Strickland in the cockpit. When it comes to competition in a high-profile event, he's a trooper, and I'm sure glad The Pearl is on our side.

Some players here in the States won't travel abroad due to financial and personal reasons, and there have been several instances when American players were chosen to travel abroad in a high-profile event, but chose not to.

In these times of high security for Americans traveling abroad, I salute each member of the Red Team for making this trek. They are a fine representation of American pool as it currently exists today, and I think each one of them will make us proud. Go USA, all the way! Bring home the Mosconi Cup.

BTW, as shown below, Marcus "The Little Napoleon" Chamat of Sweden has a great spirit, and it's always a pleasure running into him on the tournament trail here in the States. I hope he decides to come to the Derby City Classic next month. Last year, he was a hoot!


Hi Jen
I think that is unlikely that you will see Marcus or any other European players at the DCC. The reason can be found in the letter that players received from the EPBF President Gre Leenders this week. Note this is not from WPA President Ian Anderson but from a European organisation trying to impose it's will on an American tournament.
--------------------------------
Dear Players,

Below you will find some information about an event which will be held in January and has the following details:

The Derby City Classic
January 14th – 22nd, 2005
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
This event is “open” to any player and has no mention of either UPA or BCA on the advertisement. It is also not sanctioned with the WPA.
WPA would like to inform its members to please inform their players NOT TO PLAY in this event since it is a non-sanctioned event.
WE WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THIS IS A NON SANCTIONED EVENT, AND THEREFORE WE WANT TO ASK YOU ALL NOT TO PLAY AT THE EVENT !!!!!!!!
With kind regards,

Gre Leenders
President EPBF-------------------------------------------------------------------------

They tried the same thing over the Skins game. At the World 8 Ball Championship in the Uae they told Marcus, Fabio Petroni, Thorsten Hohmann and Niels Feijen that they could play in the USA because it clashed with the All Japan Open. When I questioned Ian Anderson about this he said that it was an EPBF matter. So a Euro organisation forcing players to boycott an American tournament in favour of an Asian one. In the end they backed down but in the end Fabio, Thorsten and Niels went to the Skins tournament but Marcus and several other players didn't go. Now it seems that they are protecting one of their own sanctioned tournaments in Germany by outlawing the DCC. The Derby City event is one of the game's top events while the German tournament carries a top prize of under $1000.
The Euro Tour is now a commercially run series of events and the organisers are using their official positions to protect it. Stopping professional players playing in other events contravenes European labour laws. Surely the way forward is to have more events to play every week. A major event in the USA, Europe and Asia clashing every week would be Utopia and the players could make their own mind up where they play.
The WPA (or someone else) should have a professional players category. That way the politics can be kept out of the game and the major events like the World Championship will be more likely to encompass all the top players.

Then we might see JAM turning up. By the way I like your tournament coverage articles. You are almost as good as our Big Dave who reports for www.pro9.co.uk

Doug Gordon

We have got you 3-2 in the Mosconi Cup as I write. Marcus and Mika beat Tony and Charlie 5-0.

 

[Celtic]

Dear Players,

Below you will find some information about an event which will be held in January and has the following details:

The Derby City Classic
January 14th – 22nd, 2005
Louisville, Kentucky, USA
This event is “open” to any player and has no mention of either UPA or BCA on the advertisement. It is also not sanctioned with the WPA.
WPA would like to inform its members to please inform their players NOT TO PLAY in this event since it is a non-sanctioned event.
WE WANT TO MAKE CLEAR THAT THIS IS A NON SANCTIONED EVENT, AND THEREFORE WE WANT TO ASK YOU ALL NOT TO PLAY AT THE EVENT !!!!!!!!
With kind regards,

Gre Leenders
President EPBF

Wow... just wow. Hey Gre Leenders, how about you and the rest of the suits that clearly dont give two shits about pool and simply are trying to use the sport to forward your own adgenda just get out and leave the sport alone. It is REAL obvious you do alot more harm then good and that the sport would be better off without people like you. We the pool players of the world dont need or want people like you, go screw over some other sport and leave this one alone.

I would LOVE if he actually reads this and tries to justify his actions on the board, but I am sure he is a spineless worm with no courage and zero conviction in his assinine action in the letter above. How does this sport get stuck with so many people in power who have the mentality of twelve year olds? Grow the hell up all you gimps, or get out and make way for someone who can actually improve the sport, it is clearly not you.

 

[JAM]

Hi Jen. I think that is unlikely that you will see Marcus or any other European players at the DCC. The reason can be found in the letter that players received from the EPBF President Gre Leenders this week. Note this is not from WPA President Ian Anderson but from a European organisation trying to impose it's will on an American tournament....

Say it isn't so, Doug! Dag nab it, the sport suffers enough without politics entering the fray. I'd like to give that Gre Leenders an ear full, I tell you.

They tried the same thing over the Skins game. At the World 8 Ball Championship in the UAE, they told Marcus, Fabio Petroni, Thorsten Hohmann and Niels Feijen that they could play in the USA because it clashed with the All Japan Open. When I questioned Ian Anderson about this, he said that it was an EPBF matter. So a Euro organisation forcing players to boycott an American tournament in favour of an Asian one. In the end, they backed down....

Talk about a nightmare, Doug! At the Skins game, I chatted with Thorsten Hohmann briefly and inquired about pool opportunities in Europe. A man of very few words, reminding me of one of those Buckingham Palace guards, he did state that he felt there were, indeed, money-making opportunities here in the States for the Europeans.

When I asked him about the Asian tours, I was enlightened when I was told that citizenship is an eligibility requirement, i.e., Europeans and Americans need not apply! Yet, these guys sure do enjoy coming to the U.S. Open, BCA Open, and other American tournaments. What a pity they can't return the favor and have their events open to Americans, Europeans, and non-Asian-Pacific pool players around the world. It explains why I don't see Efren, Bustie, Alex, and the rest of the Filippino crew too often these days competing here in the States anymore.

Looks to me like some of the Asian tours want to limit their competition!

In the end, they backed down, but in the end, Fabio, Thorsten, and Niels went to the Skins tournament....

You gotta do what you gotta do to make a living, I say!

...Now it seems that they are protecting one of their own sanctioned tournaments in Germany by outlawing the DCC. The Derby City event is one of the game's top events, while the German tournament carries a top prize of under $1000. The Euro Tour is now a commercially run series of events and the organisers are using their official positions to protect it. Stopping professional players playing in other events contravenes European labour laws....

What's with these guys? Does the Euro Tour ensure these players keep a roof over their heads while they're struggling to make a living?

I agree with you that the way forward is to have more events to play every week, to keep politics out of the game, so that major events like the World Pool Championship will encompass the top players!

Then we might see JAM turning up. By the way I like your tournament coverage articles. You are almost as good as our Big Dave who reports for www.pro9.co.uk

Big Dave is the man!

We have got you 3-2 in the Mosconi Cup as I write. Marcus and Mika beat Tony and Charlie 5-0.

Sometimes two steps forward, and one step backwards. The Red Team will prevail. Go, USA, all the way. Bring home the Cup!

I hope Italian Stallion Fabio Petroni decides to come to the Derby City Classic. He sure was entertaining in Toledo last month at the Glass City Open, after he tortured a barking New York young gun by the name of Dennis Hatch! Whenever Fabio is in the pit, he does it with style!

JAM

 

[pro9dg]

YES! Fabio is a class act. It's my birthday today and I just had a call from him from Rome. He wasn't Pavarotti but his rendition of Happy Birthday was well appreciated.

 

[JAM]

Cheers to the Birthday Boy!

YES! Fabio is a class act. It's my birthday today and I just had a call from him from Rome. He wasn't Pavarotti but his rendition of Happy Birthday was well appreciated.

Doug, here are your Capricorn birthday horoscope lucky tips for today: Your most "favourable colors" are russet and green, and your lucky numbers are 7 and 26.

Hope you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY today, Doug, and may the new year bring you good health, peace of mind, and prosperity!

Wish I could have you over tonight for a birthday dinner. Believe it or not, we're having home-made Shepherd's Pie, my mother's recipe. YUMMIE!

JAM

 

[pro9dg]

SAGITTARIUS actually! But I believe you are Master of Your Own Destiny,

 

[pro9dg]

Thanks - How many shepherds does she use!

 

[JAM]

SAGITTARIUS actually! But I believe you are Master of Your Own Destiny,

Well, that explains it, Doug. I knew you wouldn't look good wearing "russet and green."

Here's your SAGITTARIUS birthday horoscope for today: "Dream the impossible dream. It's time to make an impact."

Remember, Sagittarius Birthday Boy, that your lucky days are the 14th, 17th, and 20th. Wow, today is the 17th!

Your lucky marker color is (wouldn't you know it, Doug!) RUBY RED!

Hmm, the same color as the Red Team!

USA, all the way. USA, all the way!

JAM