Mosconi review
- Thread starter Roy Steffensen
- Start date
pro9dg said:
LOL! Though I am sure Keith would be honored to be picked as the captain, he's more of a competitor than a captain kind of guy, if you know what I mean. :wink:
In all seriousness, however, there is a ring of truth that the best American pool players are not on Team USA. It is not Matchroom Sports' fault that the U.S. pool scene is so fragmented right now. We have a major problem with a men's professional tour, as everyone knows. There ain't one. :frown:
There's a handful of American pros today that I think would be good choices. There are one or two on Team USA that I think should step aside. Because of politics, they keep coming back each year.
pro9dg said:
Why are you shaking your head????
http://ddbu.dk/pool/uploadede/How to qualify for WPA Events.pdf
Mosconi Cup ( Matchroom event ) which will be held 11.12.2008 till 14.12.2008.
Total Prize Money; US $ 150.000
Quota: No fixed Quota.
Matchroom nominates as follows:
• Nr. 1 ranked player on the European Ranking after the Euro Tour Dynamic Netherlands Open
2008.
• 3 players out of the European Ranking – ranked within first 16.
• 1 player chosen by Matchroom
My room mate just walked in and read over my shoulder. I hate it when he does that. 
He suggested that some possible prospective choices for Team USA to be considered would be younger players who have a lot of fight in them, such as Jason Kirkwood and Shannon Daulton.
He suggested that some possible prospective choices for Team USA to be considered would be younger players who have a lot of fight in them, such as Jason Kirkwood and Shannon Daulton.
PD0274 said:
The argument by Doug has merit. The ladies of the European team were part of the team, Ralf's wife and Mika's girlfriend were with the team all the way, even at breakfast time. Tony's mother lives 10 miles away and only came to the venue to see the action while Tony stayed with his team mates in the hotel.
This was not the case in the American team, it was blatantly obvious that they didn't have the spirit that was always in evidence some years ago when they were on top.
The only times that the American team were seen together was at the opening ceremony and when they came into the celebration party organised by the fans of the European team. Of course Earl was missing, but nobody missed him.
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I think that Jam is on the right track. Give some newer blood the chance. Maybe Stevie Moore, Shannon Daulton, SVB, Corey, and Johnny. A nice mix of vet and newbie. I personally would like a little new infusion. Maybe a captain not based purely on name recognition. Billy Incardona would make a really good fit, imo. OK, go ahead and rip me!
muttley76 said:I think that Jam is on the right track. Give some newer blood the chance. Maybe Stevie Moore, Shannon Daulton, SVB, Corey, and Johnny. A nice mix of vet and newbie. I personally would like a little new infusion. Maybe a captain not based purely on name recognition. Billy Incardona would make a really good fit, imo. OK, go ahead and rip me!
I agree. Not to start a bashing session on Earl, but with his antics and the antagonizing crowd....its has to be hard for the USA team to focus and have any kind on mental conformity or motivation with the circus-like atmosphere that is going on around them.
muttley76 said:I think that Jam is on the right track. Give some newer blood the chance. Maybe Stevie Moore, Shannon Daulton, SVB, Corey, and Johnny. A nice mix of vet and newbie. I personally would like a little new infusion. Maybe a captain not based purely on name recognition. Billy Incardona would make a really good fit, imo. OK, go ahead and rip me!
Unfortunately, I cannot see something like this happening. It is definitely something which I term as "pool politics."
There is one person, who shall remain nameless, who thinks HE should call all the shots when it comes to player selection for events. He tries to influence the decision-making entities at all costs. He ridicules some pool players, sometimes by disseminating blatant untruths, hoping to get their name(s) removed from the player roster of lucrative events. He wants to be in control of everything American when it comes to pool.
The higher you go up, the harder you fall, at least that is what they say.
It would be nice of there was a good selection process for American male pros. I don't know what the answer is. The BCA, WPA, UPA, and the alphabet soup of pool organizations do not seem to cut the mustard.
Europe has been motivated to win the Cup for many years now. many joint breakfasts and dinners. it is only when this attitude is combined with self-confidence and run of the balls, that it really pays off. When things don't go well, it's hard to keep the collective enthusiasm.
in previous years, Steve Davis was a member of the team. He was good for television and as far as i'm considered by no means a weak link. on the table that is, away from the table in the practice room etc. he did not contribute. This year for example, drago was not producing. he knew he did a big part last year, did not sulk and added greatly to the atmosphere this year. that's a big difference.
Mark Grey, as a newcomer, looked good out there, but did not get to play singles. He regretted, but accepted, understanding what was best for the team. He never sulked, stayed positive, kept on practising his break and firing up his teammates. very important.
it's not about motivation. every player is in it to win. the hard part in this game is to channel your energy so to get results. then, if this does not go well, the player should absorb and not let this energy come out negatively...so if no positive output on the table, then at least in the practiceroom, at breakfast etc.
i have to give credit to Johan Ruijsink and team Europe of '06 and '07. They climbed the mountain. We did well to defend it, but hardest is to gain momentum. Keeping the momentum, with five committed straight-shooters is then relatively easy.
www.poolkrant.nl
www.club-8.nl
in previous years, Steve Davis was a member of the team. He was good for television and as far as i'm considered by no means a weak link. on the table that is, away from the table in the practice room etc. he did not contribute. This year for example, drago was not producing. he knew he did a big part last year, did not sulk and added greatly to the atmosphere this year. that's a big difference.
Mark Grey, as a newcomer, looked good out there, but did not get to play singles. He regretted, but accepted, understanding what was best for the team. He never sulked, stayed positive, kept on practising his break and firing up his teammates. very important.
it's not about motivation. every player is in it to win. the hard part in this game is to channel your energy so to get results. then, if this does not go well, the player should absorb and not let this energy come out negatively...so if no positive output on the table, then at least in the practiceroom, at breakfast etc.
i have to give credit to Johan Ruijsink and team Europe of '06 and '07. They climbed the mountain. We did well to defend it, but hardest is to gain momentum. Keeping the momentum, with five committed straight-shooters is then relatively easy.
www.poolkrant.nl
www.club-8.nl
JAM said:
So you honestly do not think it makes it tougher for the USA to concentrate on matches with those shenanigans from the crowd going on? Not to mention it keeps Earl completely in an up-roar the entire time even when he is not playing...thats why they do it. Many professional teams have traded players for the betterment of the team. Earl not being there would bring a whole new atmosphere to the USA team.
Didn't want to start a new thread, since I promised that in my first post in this
Here's he numbers from Sky Sports Xtra.
This is how many people watched the live broadcast on their 4th channel. Numbers from the final day are missing.
Keep in mind that SkySports1, SkySports2 and SkySports3 are all broadcasting more major sports at the same time.
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Thu 19:00) 67,000 (Viewed it)
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sun 19:29) 45,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sat 19:00) 41,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Fri 19:00) 40,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sat 14:00) 35,000
Here's he numbers from Sky Sports Xtra.
This is how many people watched the live broadcast on their 4th channel. Numbers from the final day are missing.
Keep in mind that SkySports1, SkySports2 and SkySports3 are all broadcasting more major sports at the same time.
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Thu 19:00) 67,000 (Viewed it)
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sun 19:29) 45,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sat 19:00) 41,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Fri 19:00) 40,000
LIVE MOSCONI CUP (Sat 14:00) 35,000
Hey Roy,
Any way that Jasmin ccould be picked for team Europe?
Any way that Jasmin ccould be picked for team Europe?
Meezer Girl said:
Sure she could. I believe that Allison Fisher once played for Team Europe.
But she has to win a major tournament to achieve a spot, imo. Remember that Darren Appleton, World Ten Ball Champion, didn't even secure a spot for Team Europe this year.