Mosconi Cup 2022
by Melissa Bennett | November 04, 2022
Shortly after last year's Mosconi Cup ended, it has become evident that the Americans are ready to play but not ready for the event. The missed balls and failure to capitalize on opportunities have continued a recent trend with American Mosconi Cup performances. Many of the matches fit a familiar pattern.
Team USA struggles to find five players that can compete on an international level, while Team Europe struggles to narrow its list of quality players down to only five. The USA has instructors and a few industry-supported associations, but very little to get serious players to the next level. That shouldn't come as a surprise, considering pool and billiards in America is a fractured industry with a culture that really doesn't support its professional players.
Team USA also faces pressure in the need to market themselves at a game that desperately needs to become more outwardly exciting but individual players have often failed to elevate their performance when most needed.
"When you play the Mosconi Cup the biggest factor is the pressure," said Shane Van Boening. "Usually when I play other tournaments I don't feel much pressure. Just play my normal game. But when you have the crowds and TV and your family, it's a totally different atmosphere."
Team USA player Oscar Dominguez talks about his 2022 Mosconi Cup journey: Listen to the Podcast.
Dominguez returns after being "severely warned" by officials over comments he made in his 2017 Mosconi Cup appearance, with many European fans suggesting that he should be banned from the event for life.
Skyler Woodward said that fatigue from playing numerous events leading up to the Mosconi Cup often contributes to Team USA's routinely poor performance.
Jayson Shaw of Team Europe says he "can't wait" to rile up American fans. Shaw comes into the Mosconi Cup as a two-time MVP, claiming the crown in the last two editions of the transatlantic tussle between Europe and the USA.
Fedor Gorst has enjoyed great success in 2022, but has been ineligible to participate.
Alex Lely, who has a lot of experience coaching Team Europe, said "It's been tough the last few times we've played in Las Vegas. I know it will be amazing. I have great memories".
Team Europe currently leads the annual transatlantic 9-ball pool event 14-13 ahead of this year's event.
The 2022 Mosconi Cup will be live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as on DAZN in the USA, Canada, Spain, and Italy and on Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Netherlands, and Poland.
