SJM - 2015 Mosconi Cup Trip Report

bfdlad said:
SJM, I was 5 feet away from meeting you at the after party. Someone asked me if I had eve met SJM because he is over there. I was about to come over and say hi but at that point their was loud techno music playing and I really didn't want to have to yell at you to hold a conversation. I figured I would see you when things calmed down a bit but that never happened. Hopefully next time.

As far as your evaluations, I can agree and disagree with some as it should be. I am now back home and licking my Vegas wounds. Great time as usual at Mosconi Cup. Glad its only once a year though as I am getting too old for this :)
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Forgot to say congratulations. Hope married life is agreeing with you.
 
Karl played great under pressure. If you weren't there you have no idea of how loud the audience was and the abuse Karl got. He thrives on it.
Albin played some amazing jumps and kicks. I think he was on downers. He never was nervous or irritated. During his last match against Sky he looked like he was passing out. I have never seen a player in that event so lifeless and dead. Do you agree?
 
benjaminwah said:
Karl played great under pressure. If you weren't there you have no idea of how loud the audience was and the abuse Karl got. He thrives on it.
Albin played some amazing jumps and kicks. I think he was on downers. He never was nervous or irritated. During his last match against Sky he looked like he was passing out. I have never seen a player in that event so lifeless and dead. Do you agree?
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I don't like to speculate about this sort of thing, but I agree that Albin seemed lacking in animation. I had a chat with him at the party that evening and he still seemed a bit stoic. Still, all I'll remember about him is that he's a fine player who can come with it in some key spots.
 
sjm said:
I don't like to speculate about this sort of thing, but I agree that Albin seemed lacking in animation. I had a chat with him at the party that evening and he still seemed a bit stoic. Still, all I'll remember about him is that he's a fine player who can come with it in some key spots.
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I agree Albin seemed to be in a trance. John Morra can also detach himself from the external stimuli.
 
benjaminwah said:
Karl played great under pressure. If you weren't there you have no idea of how loud the audience was and the abuse Karl got. He thrives on it.
Albin played some amazing jumps and kicks. I think he was on downers. He never was nervous or irritated. During his last match against Sky he looked like he was passing out. I have never seen a player in that event so lifeless and dead. Do you agree?
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There is a lesson here - when playing high level pool, try to remain calm at all times. Fluctuations in emotion can cause one to lose concentration and make an error. Albin appeared to actually be meditating between games and imo that's a good thing. He was cool under pressure and that has helped make him into the player he is today. I'm sure he's learned a lot from his more experienced sister as well.
 
jay helfert said:
There is a lesson here - when playing high level pool, try to remain calm at all times. Fluctuations in emotion can cause one to lose concentration and make an error. Albin appeared to actually be meditating between games and imo that's a good thing. He was cool under pressure and that has helped make him into the player he is today. I'm sure he's learned a lot from his more experienced sister as well.
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Well said. Actually, Albin went crazy in animated euphoria after his win to end the Cup. Europe is much better than the US at building emotional momentum for itself and its fans through after-match first pumping and celebration. I'd like to see more of it from Team USA.
 
Bergman is a very high quality player and so is Sky Woodward. I especially like Sky's attitude toward playing in the Mosconi Cup. He was just playing pool to the best of his ability at that point in time. He didn't seem to be burdened with the past or the future.

You've got some good ideas. I'm starting to take a liking to you. :grin:

JoeyA

watchez said:
Bergman out played them all. He broke better, he pocketed balls better and had much better position play. He would have been 2-1 in singles if that last cue ball doesn't come off at a 90 degree angle when it hit the second rail. And he had a bad skid of a 7 ball in another match. Also he faced the tougher of the Eurooean players. Last year I convinced Mark to put up Schmidt first to try to steal a win in singles which he did with the first match. He should have done the same this year with DeChaine. That would have led to better match ups on Day 2 and 3.

Sky played good but he didn't play better than SVB. I think people are giving Sky increased props cause he was the rookie and only 22. He played solid but not as good as SVB. I do love the way Sky never babies a ball into the pocket, he shoots every ball with confidence. Even that shot on the 8, that lead to MD missing the 9 --- Sky jacked up and popped it to give MD much better shape. I thought it was a gutsy shot.
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sjm said:
Well said. Actually, Albin went crazy in animated euphoria after his win to end the Cup. Europe is much better than the US at building emotional momentum for itself and its fans through after-match first pumping and celebration. I'd like to see more of it from Team USA.
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Totally agree. They WERE a Team.
 
Had I known...

sjm said:
Yes, Mr. Bond said he'd introduce us after I requested it but it never happened. Some other time, I hope.
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I would have been more than happy to make an introduction!
Mark,
SJM could have smacked you in the head, he was so close!

Seated next to Jennifer Barretta's husband Gregg and Coach Jerry Briesath.:thumbup:
 

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Always thoughtful & thorough as all your reports are. Thanks for your take on it.
 
Thanks Stu, I appreciate your efforts.

I will see ya at DCC, and first round on me!

Ken
 
Thanks to all who responded, and whether you saw it as I did is never really the point. It's just fun to anticipate, enjoy, and review the biggest events in American pool with the many friends I've made on this forum, and I hope the forum chatter will motivate some of those who haven't been to a big event to come to one soon.

Derby City, anyone?
 
Chicagoplayer said:
I would have been more than happy to make an introduction!
Mark,
SJM could have smacked you in the head, he was so close!

Seated next to Jennifer Barretta's husband Gregg and Coach Jerry Briesath.:thumbup:
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Was great seeing you again and I'll see you at the Derby.
 
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