Europe Scrape Hat-Trick Crown

Team Europe overcame a fightback from USA to clinch their hat-trick Mosconi Cup and their sixth in seven years. With the score at 9-6 before the day's play, no-one was giving USA a chance but they showed extreme grit and determination to fight back and level the game before Chris Melling and Nick Van Den Berg sealed the title for Europe. A win that earns Melling the MVP award of 2012.

Dennis Hatch was given the role of starting the comeback for USA against Nick Ekonomopoulos. A break and run was the start Hatch was looking for. Ekonomopoulos would come up dry on his first break of the night, that was followed by Hatch potting the two from a snookered position before the Greek left to five to give Hatch a 2-0 lead.

Hatch almost relinquished his break when he came up dry and Ekonomopoulos potted the two following a safety battle. But the Greek would leave the four in the jaws of the pocket and Hatch had his third rack on the board. Ekonomopoulos recovered from an illegal break as Hatch missed the five to make it 3-1. It should have been 3-2 even though Hatch shot a superb bank on the three. But Ekonomopoulos came to the table courtesy of Hatch missing the four and the Greek cleared up, only to scratch whilst potting the nine ball to put Hatch on the hill.

Ekonomopoulos recovered with a break and run before Hatch missed the five ball in rack seven to allow the Greek to pull another leg back. But the comeback was prevented in topsy-turvy fashion; Ekonomopoulos initially missed the three ball. Hatch would bank it but then miss the four ball before leaving it open after a safety battle. Ekonomopoulos returned to the table but ended up missing the seven ball to give Hatch the 5-3 victory the first point USA needed.

USA's spine, Johnny Archer was given the baton against Neils Feijen. Just like throughout the week, Archer was businesslike and began the match with a break and run. Archer would then refuse an overran push out from Feijen and it would prove to be the right decision as the Dutchman fouled and Archer took a 2-0 lead.

Despite breaking dry in the third rack, The Scorpion came back to the table and potted the one via a length bank before banking the two and extending his lead to 3-0. A three-nine combination was enough to see Feijen post a rack on the board but the luck was shining in USA's favour as Archer made it 4-1 courtesy of a four-nine carom from a snooker position. A scratch on the one ball from Feijen proved fatal as Archer ran out a 5-1 winner and closed the gap to just one point.

In a rematch from last night, Shane Van Boening was the next to hold the baton as he sought revenge form his whitewash defeat to Darren Appleton last night. The Englishman left the one in the jaws from a bank shot to surrender the first rack before a break and run made it 2-0.

That was followed by a scratch off the break from Appleton and Van Boening was edging closer to a whitewash of his own. But Van Boening came up dry in the fourth rack, allowing Appleton to post a rack on the board. Appleton then repaid the compliment with a dry break of his own. But Van Boening would miss the three before he was given the rack after Appleton scratched. The win was completed when Van Boening potted a three-nine combination from another snookered position. This tied the Mosconi Cup at 9-9 and left it as a best of three.

In another rematch, Melling returned to the table to once again face Brandon Shuff, who he beat 5-2 last night. It would end up being a touch of deja vu as Melling steadied the European ship and put them onto the hill. However, a break and run from Shuff did give him the opening rack of the night.

That was followed by two more break and runs to make it 2-1 to Shuff. But then catastrophe hit for the debutante and two fatal scratches gave Melling the lead. A three-seven carom put Melling on his way to winning the sixth rack before potting the six ball in style from a snooker in rack seven to win the match 5-2.

Van Den Berg was given the opportunity to win the Mosconi Cup for Europe against the very shaky Mike Dechaine. Both players were understandably nervous and the Dutchman missed the five ball before Dechaine missed the eight to give Van Den Berg the opening rack.

Dechaine then missed the six in the second rack to make it 2-0. There was another topsy-turvy affair in the third rack; Van Den Berg began it with a dry break. Dechaine then left the five ball open from a snooker position before Van Den Berg missed a banked six. But just in case you thought Dechaine would post his first rack of the night, nerves bit him again as he scratched on the eight ball and faced a tough task coming from 3-0 behind.

It looked like it would get worse for Dechaine when he scratched from the break in the fourth rack. Van den Berg would then miss the five-nine combination before potting the five into the side pocket from the top cushion. But the Dutchman would then miss the seven ball and Dechaine gleefully took his first rack of the night.

A desperate attempt at a one-nine combination from Van Den Berg allowed Dechaine to pull another rack back. But a missed two-nine combination repaid the compliment and the Dutchman was now 4-2 ahead. The seventh rack was full of nerves and Van Den Berg would begin by missing a jump shot on the one. Dechaine then jawed the three ball before placing the final nail in USA's coffin by missing the five ball. Giving Van Den Berg a 5-2 victory and Team Europe an 11-9 win to claim the 2012 Mosconi Cup.

Europe Dominate Day Three

Team Europe go into the final day of the 2012 Mosconi Cup needing two points to make it a hat-trick of titles. This comes courtesy of a fantastic third day of action for Europe, winning the session 4-1 to take a 9-6 lead over USA.

The night began with some extremely tight contests, the first of which saw Nick Ekonomopoulos and Nick Van Den Berg take on Mike Dechaine and Brandon Shuff. USA won the lag but could only push out on the opening break. Europe refused it and it was the right decision as Shuff left the two ball open, allowing Europe to claim that all important first rack.

After a dry break from Ekonomopoulos, Dechaine would miss an easy three before Shuff left the same ball after an attempted jump shot pot. Europe again took the rack to double their lead. But USA fought back with a break and run in the third rack, including a banked two ball from Dechaine, before Van Den Berg missed a bank of the three to allow USA to level it the score.

Another break and run would give the Americans the lead but a great pot on the one from Ekonomopoulos after Shuff had played safe, tied the game up at 3-3. Van Den Berg left the one open to put USA on the hill but a deciding rack would be needed after the Dutchman almost secured a golden break if it wasn't for a scratch. Dechaine then missed the six after some great potting to allow Europe to level once again. Dechaine then went onto miss the four in the final rack to give Europe the opening match of the night.

The second match of the night also went to a deciding rack but only Van Den Berg would know how he didn't close it out against Johnny Archer. After a missed pot, the Dutchman instantly broke the serve only to suffer an illegal break followed by a foul on the three in the second rack.

The break continued to hinder as Archer came up dry on the third. Van Den Berg added to his amazing jump shot yesterday with a cool four-eight-seven combination followed by a four-eight combination. The Dutchman would the miss then miss the one ball to allow Archer to once again break the serve.

There was a great safety battle in the fifth rack until Archer left the five ball open to make it five racks all against the serve. Van Den Berg finally held his serve after Archer missed the two ball to take a crucial 4-2 lead. But Archer wasn't done and after Van Den Berg scratched on the six, he too was able to hold serve for the first time in the match. A dry break from the Dutchman left Archer forcing a deciding leg before The Scorpion completed the comeback after Van Den Berg scratched the three ball. Levelling the overall score up at 6-6.

The final doubles match of the 2012 Mosconi Cup featured Ekonomopoulos and Neils Feijen against Dennis Hatch and Dechaine in another match that went the distance. A break and run from Europe was instantly cancelled out when Feijen fouled in the second rack after being snookered.

Dechaine was as shaky as in the opening match of the night and would miss the six ball whilst using the rest to gift the lead back to Europe. Hatch then missed the four ball to give Europe a two rack advantage and leaving USA in trouble. They were handed a lifeline when Ekonomopoulos scratched off a jump shot on the two.

But Hatch would miss the two ball in the sixth rack to allow Europe to regain their two rack advantage. Ekonomopoulos broke dry in the seventh and Feijen then scratched on the one ball from another snookered position to make it 4-3. A break and run from USA set up the deciding rack but they wouldn't make it back to the table as Europe clinched the match with a break and run of their own.

The third match of the night was the point where Europe took a two point lead in the Mosconi Cup for the first time this year. Chris Melling came up against Shuff and a dry break from the American instantly gave Melling the lead. But Melling missed the five in the second rack to allow Shuff to level the score before then making it 2-1 after Melling fouled on the four when Shuff had originally missed it yet gained a snooker from it.

Shuff missed the three ball in the fourth rack to allow a tied game before once again coming up dry. He then left the one ball open, giving Melling the rack in which the Englishman potted the seven and eight ball in opposite pockets within the same shot. The debutante missed a tough two ball in the sixth rack to put Melling on the hill before Melling found an unbelievable pot on the one ball from a snookered position to take the match 5-2.

On paper, the final match of the night between Darren Appleton and Shane Van Boening looked like it would bring another deciding rack and even a much needed point potentially for USA. But it didn't turn out that way as Appleton blew Van Boening away in the second whitewash of this year's competition.

Appleton was flawless on his break. He broke and run in the opening rack before Van Boening missed the seven in the second. Appleton played a carom off the seven and into the nine to make it 2-0. A second break and run added the third rack before an illegal break from Van Boening followed a missed two from a jump shot placed the Englishman on the hill. A third break and run from Appleton secured the match and put Europe in a fantastic position for tomorrow's final action.

Scores Level After Day Two

Europe recovered from yesterday's disappointment by levelling the scores at 5-5 after day two, although it was actually USA who levelled the match up at the end. Wins at the start and the end of the session was enough for USA to keep as close as possible to Europe, setting up a crucial third day of Mosconi Cup action.

The opening match saw the British duo, Chris Melling and Darren Appleton take on Johnny Archer and Mike Dechaine. After two break and runs, Johnny Archer came up dry on his break, leaving Europe to clear and take a 2-1 lead. Melling would leave the three ball open before Appleton left the two ball, giving USA the next two racks to overturn the deficit. Appleton then suffered an illegal break before Melling went onto foul on the six ball following a snooker, putting USA onto the hill. USA had the chance to take the match in the next rack but Dechaine would snooker Archer and The Scorpion would miss the pot on the two from a jump shot. The Englishmen cleared before a break and run would set up another deciding rack. Archer and Melling both missed their shots on the one ball before Dechaine won the match with a six-nine combination.

Nick Ekonomopoulos came of age, in Mosconi Cup terms, in the second match, seeing off Shane Van Boening. Van Boening did have an early lead when Ekonomopoulos missed a safety shot on the two ball before the American broke and ran with a banked eight ball to make it 2-0. A break and run from the Greek allowed him to post a rack on the board but a missed five ball allowed Van Boening to re-establish his two rack lead.

Ekonomopoulos elected to push out in the fifth rack and Van Boening left the two ball open from it. The Greek fantastically banked the two ball before taking the rack with a five-nine combination. It was a similar story in the following rack; Van Boening elected to push out but this time Ekonomopoulos refused it and the American ended up leaving the two open again for the Greek to clear up and level the match at 3-3.

Ekonomopoulos continued his momentum with a timely break and run before playing Van Boening into trouble with a snooker. Van Boening ended up scratching and the Greek wasted no time in clearing up and winning the match 5-3, making it 4-3 to USA overall.

The Dutch duo would level the scores as Nick Van Den Berg and Niels Feijen overcame Dennis Hatch and Brandon Shuff. Van Den Berg would pot the six ball from a snookered position which led to Europe claiming the first rack. Feijen followed that up with a long pot on the four after a defensive battle in the second rack to make it 2-0.

It could have been 3-0 when Shuff left the two ball clear. But Feijen would end up scratching on the three ball and the Americans were able to post a rack. Shuff would then suffer an illegal break in the fourth rack. But the highlight of the match saw Van Den Berg use a rest to aid his jump cue, allowing him to pot the five with a sublime jumping effort, giving them a 3-1 lead.

Hatch left the three ball open in the fifth rack and the Dutch destroyers once again cleared up, the highlight being a four-eight combination from Feijen. Two break and runs saw the score finish 5-2 and Europe were now tied with USA.

Team Europe would then take the lead for the first time in this year's Mosconi Cup as Hatch suffered a second defeat in two games, this time to Melling. The Englishman missed a four-nine combination to sacrifice the opening rack before Hatch broke dry in the second to allow Melling to level it up.

Melling looked to have control of the third rack when Hatch jumped the cue ball off the table. But Melling would leave the four ball open after a defensive battle and Hatch retook the lead. A second dry break once again allowed Melling to level the score. The Englishman looked to repay the compliment with a dry break of his own, but Hatch left the five ball open to give Melling the lead for the first time.

Melling missed a jump four-eight combination which surrendered the seventh leg. But Hatch presented the match to Melling after scratching on the two ball, losing the match 5-3.

The final match of the night saw Archer and Van Boening level the Mosconi Cup with a tight victory over Appleton and Feijen. Feijen won the opening rack with a one-nine shot that saw both balls potted in opposite pockets. That was followed by a break and run to make it 2-0.

Feijen then left the four ball open to allow USA to pull one back before the Dutchman did it again in the following rack after a superb safety battle, making the scores level. A break and run followed by a Feijen dry break meant USA had a comfortable 4-2 lead and were breaking for the match.

But Archer also suffered from a dry break before Van Boening left the one ball, giving Europe a rack back. A break and run from Europe set up a deciding rack, but USA responded with a break and run of their own to take the match and set up a tantalising third day.

USA Edge Day One

Team USA leave the York Hall in Bethnal Green for the first time his week with a narrow advantage over Team Europe. With five matches played tonight, there was always going to be someone behind at the end of proceedings and it is Europe who trail 3-2.

The opening match of the night saw all ten players take to the table in the annual team match. Dennis Hatch cleared the table from the four ball after Neils Feijen left it open to gain the first rack in a race to five. The second rack saw some great defensive play before the veteran Johnny Archer left the two ball open, allowing Darren Appleton to clear and level the match.

Nick Van Den Berg would hand the control of the third rack to Mike Dechaine after an illegal break. Dechaine cleared up to the nine ball before missing the crucial shot, leaving the Dutchman to put Europe 2-1 ahead. Chris Melling would scratch in the fourth rack, allowing Shane Van Boening to clear from the two ball and level the game up once more.

Debutante Nick Ekonomopoulos had the opportunity to make it 3-2 after he potted a fantastic three ball from a snookered position. But he elected to cut the eight ball instead of going for the easier bank, missing it for fellow debutante Brandon Shuff to give USA the lead again. Feijen gained revenge over Hatch by clearing from the four ball after a great swerving shot around the seven to make it 3-3, proving how close this year's competition is going to be.

There was another defensive battle between Appleton and Archer but this time Archer was able to clear from the two ball to put USA on the hill. The hill then became the first point of the contest as Dechaine broke and won the match with a six-nine combination shot.

The second match of the night saw Melling and Van Den Berg surrender a 4-1 lead against Archer and Shuff. USA took the lead with the first break and run of the night. This was followed by a dry break from Van Den Berg and a push out from Archer. However Archer's second attempt at the snooker failed and Europe were able to clear and level the match.

A Shuff foul in the third rack allowed Melling to post a two-nine combination to make it 2-1. Shuff then missed the five ball following a dry Melling break before the debutante hit an illegal break to allow another clearance, making it 4-1.

After another illegal break, this time from Van Den Berg, the Dutchman played a brilliant jump shot, potting the one and the eight ball at the opposite end of the table after Shuff had initially missed the one ball. But Melling went onto miss the four ball and USA pulled one rack back. USA followed that up with a break and run before Van Den Berg missed an unnecessary five-nine combination, leaving Archer with a bank shot on the eight before levelling the match. There's no better way to secure a point than a break and run and that is exactly what USA did to make it 2-0.

The third match of the night had Feijen secure the first whitewash of the contest over Dechaine. Dechaine scratched in the first rack before missing a two ball that Feijen potted with a jump shot before going onto clear and make it 2-0. That was followed by a silky break and run as Dechaine went onto miss the two ball again in the fourth rack which led up to Feijen potting a seven-nine combination. The whitewash was sealed after Dechaine missed a five-eight combination, allowing Feijen to once again clear up.

The fourth match saw USA restore their two point advantage and guarantee their victory in the first session. Appleton and Ekonomopoulos met Hatch and Van Boening in another game that went the distance. Ekonomopoulos fluked the four in the first rack which later saw Hatch scratch to allow Europe to take the lead. Hatch then hit an illegal break which gifted Europe a two leg advantage.

It should have been 3-0 when Appleton attempted a three-nine combination that saw the nine teeter on the brink of the pocket. That was followed by a scratch from Ekonomopoulos which meant USA could pull a rack back. A break and run gave USA the equaliser before taking the lead after Ekonomopoulos scratched after banking the five.

Two break and runs later, the score sat at 4-3 to USA before Van Den Berg married the cue ball to the nine, making Hatch miss the difficult seven. This forced a deciding rack which saw Appleton scratch off the break, leaving USA with a one to nine clearance.

Appleton stayed on to play the final match of the night against Shuff. The debutante took the lead after he potted the five from an attempted safety by the Englishman. A break and run levelled the match before Shuff followed through on a pot on the three in which he went cushion first.

Another break and run made it 3-1 before Appleton posted a fourth. The Pontefract man would leave the five ball on in the sixth rack which allowed Shuff to pull one rack back. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Shuff came up dry on the break, allowing Appleton to clear and keep Europe within hugging distance.  

2012 Mosconi Cup: The Teams

The 2012 Mosconi Cup starts on Monday for its 18th tournament. Team Europe retained the title in Las Vegas last year and will be determined to match or better their 11-7 result in Bethnal Green this year. Here's how the two line up:

Team Europe

The defending champions are without the veteran Ralf Souquet and the 'Iceman' Mika Immonen who have the most appearances in the Mosconi Cup. Immonen was famously left out in last year's team also, so there has actually only been one change to last year's team.

Darren Appleton returns for his fourth tournament. The two time winner of the Mosconi Cup was awarded the MVP in 2010 and has a 50% win percentage from his 14 matches overall. This year, Appleton took the World Nine-Ball crown. Fellow Englishman, Chris Melling returns after a successful debut last year. He won three of his five matches in Las Vegas and will be hoping to match that this time around.

The Dutch duo of Nick Van Den Berg and Neils Feijen were the other members of last year's winning side. This will be Van Den Berg's sixth appearance but he has the lowest win percentage of just 36%, nine wins from 25-matches. But he is currently ranked as Europe's number two, behind Appleton, so he isn't going to be much of a weak link. Feijen is the most experienced in the team as this will be his eighth Mosconi Cup, levelling with Germany's Oliver Ortmann in fourth place in the overall appearance chart. Feijen has won 19 of his 32 matches which gives him a win percentage of 59, he also comes into the tournament as the winner of the China Invitational.

The man to fill Souquet's shoes is debutante Nick Ekonomopoulos from Greece. He won the Austrian Euro Tour but that may not be enough to stop the Americans thinking he could be the weak link in the European team. But most said that about Melling last year and coped extremely well under the pressure.

Team USA

USA make two changes from last year's side, which includes Rodney Morris not getting a slot. Jonny Archer will become the sole player to have the most Mosconi Cup appearances with 16, Souquet was level with him on 15. The Scorpion has won nine titles with a win percentage of 53, 39 wins from 74.

Mike Dechaine returns after a less than impressive Mosconi Cup debut last year. Dechaine only won one of his four matches in Las Vegas and will looking to improve on that this year if USA are going to win the title. Shane Van Boening is the other returning player and he makes his sixth appearance. Van Boening has won 12 of his 26 matches in Mosconi Cup history but comes into this year's event at the US Open champion.

Dennis Hatch missed out on a place last year but returns this time around for his third appearance. He won the title in 2009 and has a fantastic record of seven wins in ten games, making him the dark horse for Team USA. Their final player comes in the shape of debutante Brandon Shuff. From Richmond, Virginia, Shuff brings a few American championships to the table and could be quite a controversial character as he says he dislikes how much luck there is in pool with too many professionals that aren't truly tested.    

Europe Retain the Mosconi Cup

Shane Van Boening spoilt the party yesterday with a 6-5 victory over Nick Van Den Berg and continued to delay it on the final day with another win over the Dutchman. The two locked together at 2-2 before a poor push out allowed Van Boening to take a 3-2 against the break and the South Dakota Kid took the match 6-2 to reduce the overall score to 10-6.

Last year's MVP, Darren Appleton, was the second man to try and retain the Mosconi Cup for Europe. His opponent was the veteran Johnny Archer and The Scorpion really took the game to Appleton. Archer secured the second golden break of the tournament to take a 4-1 lead.Appleton couldn't reduce the arrears and Archer won 6-3 to make it 10-7 overall.

The third man to attempt to take the Mosconi Cup back home was Niels Feijen as he took on Rodney Morris. The two were also locked at 2-2 before Feijen picked up a crucial break to lead 4-2. Morris then missed the 5-Ball in the seventh rack to possibly put the final nail into USA's coffin. Feijen looked to have offered a lifeline by breaking dry and Morris made it 5-3. Morris again had an opportunity from his break but he committed pooling suicide to hand the Mosconi Cup to Europe for the fourth time in five years. Final score 11-7 Europe. The other accolade saw Niels Feijen deservedly pick up this year's MVP award for his invaluable efforts this week.

2011 Mosconi Cup: Day Three

Day Three kicked off with a doubles match, Shawn Putnam and Mike Dechaine against Darren Appleton and Niels Feijen. The American duo got off to the better start, taking a 2-0 lead. But that was overturned by Appleton and Feijen to give themselves a 3-2 lead. USA missed the chance to level by missing the 1-Ball and setting up a 1-9 combo shot which was taken and Europe then made it 5-2 courtesy of a fluked 2-Ball. USA couldn't reduce the arrears and Europe went onto win the first match 6-3. Making it Europe seven USA four.

Appleton and Putnam stayed at the table as they battle it out in a repeat of the 2011 US Open, which Appleton won. Putnam had full control in the first rack but he went onto miss the 9-Ball, allowing Appleton to take the lead. Putnam was awarded a lifeline straight away as Appleton scratched off the break. Again Putnam made a mistake in the third rack by missing the 2-Ball and Appleton kept the match going against the break. Putnam made his third unforced error of the match with a scratch to leave Appleton 4-1 ahead. Then it was Appleton's turn to make a unforced error after missing the 5-Ball and Putnam managed to pull it back to 4-2. But an illegal break followed by a foul helped to restore the three rack lead. Appleton won the match 6-2 to extend Europe's overall lead to 8-4.

Niels Feijen returned to the table in game three as he and Ralf Souquet took on Rodney Morris and Johnny Archer. The first three racks went with break but Morris scratched off his break in the fourth rack to give Europe a 3-1 lead. Archer and Morris couldn't find anything to break the hold and the European duo won the match 6-2. Europe now lead 9-4.

The penultimate match of the day saw the battle of the vans, Shane Van Boening against Nick Van Den Berg. Van Boening took a 2-0 lead before Van Den Berg levelled the scoreline. Van Boening regained his two rack lead before Van Den Berg recovered the match to 5-5. Van Den Berg had the break in the final rack but hit a dry one. Van Boening eventually won the final rack to make sure there was going to be a day four in this year's Mosconi Cup, 9-5 in Europe's favour.

The final match of the night saw the two débutantes, Mike Dechaine and Chris Melling, take to the table. The first four racks went with break before Chris Melling was able to take a 3-2 lead. From there Melling took control and won the match 6-2 to give Europe a commanding 10-5 lead at the end of day three. Europe need just one point tomorrow to win the 2011 Mosconi Cup.

2011 Mosconi Cup: Day 2

Team USA put their day one disappointments behind them by coming straight out on day two and rattling the European side. The opening match of the night was probably the most crucial and just to set the scene, it went to final rack. Shane Van Boening and Johnny Archer took on Nick Van Den Berg and Niels Feijen with the match going to double hill. The American duo took the final rack to win 6-5 and take the tournament to 4-2 in Europe's favour.

Then the night intensified as Mike Dechaine dispatched Ralf Souquet 6-1, but Souquet was unhappy with the amount of help Dechaine received when dealing with a snooker. If that wasn't enough, Shawn Putnam and Rodney Morris took on the two Brits, Chris Melling and Darren Appleton. This again went to the final rack but with both teams showing their frustration with each other. The American pairing took the final rack to level the tournament at four apiece, but it took a rather sour as Morris and Appleton slightly squared off with Morris telling Appleton to settle it outside.

The penultimate match of the night saw Johnny Archer take on Nick Van Den Berg. After being locked a 1-1, Nick Van Den Berg finally found some European form and stormed into a 5-1 lead. Archer had control in the seventh rack but he missed the six ball to allow Van Den Berg to seal the 6-1 victory and give Europe their lead again, 5-4.

The final match of the night saw Van Boening and Morris battle it out against Souquet and Melling. Van Boening made the first golden break of the tournament in the third rack to give the USA pairing a 2-1 lead. But Morris scratched on the following American break, allowing Europe to take the lead for the first time in the match at 3-2. It seemed to have deflated the Americans as Souquet and Melling took out a 6-2 to maintain a lead for Europe at the end of the second day. Score after day two: Europe 6-4 USA.

2011 Mosconi Cup: Day 1

The Mosconi Cup returns this week with Las Vegas hosting the prestigious tournament. Johnny Archer, Shane Van Boening, Rodney Morris, Shawn Putnam and Mike Dechaine are representing Team USA. Ralf Souquet, Niels Feijen, Darren Appleton, Nick Van Den Berg and Chris Melling are representing Team Europe.

The opening match of the night saw the two teams battle it out with each player playing one rack at a time. The match was level at 2-2 with both veteran players, Johnny Archer and Ralf Souquet, winning their racks. Europe were able to take a 4-2 lead in a race to six racks, the first time a rack difference larger than one was achieved. Rack ten was between the debutants, Chris Melling and Mike Dechaine, Melling won the rack to win the match 6-3 giving Europe the first point of the tournament.

Chris Melling stayed at the table as he and Nick Van Den Berg took on Johnny Archer and Shawn Putnam. The match went with break until Archer scratched to allow Europe to take a 3-1 lead. But Van Den Berg made an illegal shot in the fifth rack which helped USA to go onto level the match at 3-3. Melling then forced Van Den Berg into a foul to let USA take the lead for the first time in the tournament. This gave the USA momentum to go onto win the match 6-3 and tie the score at 1-1.

The first singles match of the tournament saw Niels Feijen take on Rodney Morris. Morris missed a chip shot to allow Feijen to take the opening rack before taking a 2-0 lead. For some reason Morris couldn't come back and Feijen administered the first 6-0 whitewash of the tournament, Europe lead 2-1.

The penaultimate match of the night saw Shane Van Boening and Mike Dechaine take on Ralf Souquet and Darren Appleton. Souquet played a poor safety shot in the second rack and Dechaine made a 5-9 combination shot to lead 2-0, Dechaine then made four balls off the break to help extend the lead further. It got worse as Souquet scratched off the next break and USA took a 4-0 lead.Van Boening returned the favour with a scratch of his own off the break to allow Europe to pull a rack back. Appleton then made a great bank shot on the one ball in the sixth rack to make it 4-2. Dechaine missed the nine ball in the next rack, allowing Souquet to pull another rack back. Europe were able to draw level and were able to win 6-4 with the momentum in their court, Europe lead 3-1.

Shane Van Boening had to put his disappointment aside to play against Chris Melling in the final match of the session. Van Boening stormed into a 3-0 lead before Melling posted a score on the board. Melling was also then able to level the score and Van Boening was dry off the break in the seventh rack but he was able to get back to the table and regain his lead. He was able to take the lead but Van Boening took it to 5-5 but Melling won the final rack to give Europe a 4-1 lead on day one.

Europe Win 2010 Mosconi Cup

The Mosconi Cup comes back home as Europe took just two matches in the last session to overcome the Americans 11-8. The first match of the evening session saw Van Boening take on the Mosconi Cup 2010 MVP Darren Appleton. Van Boening won the lag and cut and run from his initial break. Appleton replied instantly before Van Boening made an illegal break in the third to allow Appleton to take the lead. Appleton missed the two ball in the fourth rack but went onto make a 4-9 combination shot to make it 3-1. Van Boening kept in the hunt with a cut and run to make it 3-2 but Appleton shut him out. He again replied with a cut and run of his own in the sixth rack before Van Boening missed the one ball to let Appleton reach the hill. Appleton finished Van Boening off in style with an average break, potting a ball, but then making a 3-5 combination and a length bank four ball on his way to winning the game 6-2. Meaning that Europe were on the hill.

Who better to bring the Mosconi Cup home but captain Ralf Souquet. He hasn't had the best tournament by any means but winning the final point for Europe will be a sweet ending for The Kaiser. His opponent was Corey Deuel but Souquet won the lag and set the marker with a cut and run. Deuel replied before taking the third after Souquet missed the seven following a missed safety on the two from Deuel. Deuel then extended his lead to 3-1 after a safety battle from Deuel's dry break. Deuel then fouled on the two in the fifth frame to let Souquet pull a leg, the German then levelled after potting a five from a snooker from Deuel. Souquet re-took the lead with a crucial cut and run and made it to hill in the eighth after both players were showing signs of nerves. Souquet missed the two in the ninth following a push out to allow Deuel back to the table, he went onto make a 4-9 combination to make it 5-4. Europe weren't to be denied and Deuel came up dry in the tenth break to allow Souquet a clear run. He made a 2-7 carom on his way to the nine ball to win the game 6-4 and win Europe the Mosconi Cup 2010 11-8.

Mosconi Cup: Day 4, Afternoon Session

The 2010 Mosconi Cup reaches its final day with the score at 8-6 to Europe. The format now becomes all singles matches and are extended back to race to six. The first match saw Morris take on Immonen, Morris was unusually looking subdued and it showed in his pool. Morris won the lag and made two balls from the initial break before electing for a push out. He went on to miss the two to allow Immonen to take the first rack. Immonen cut and run in the second rack with two balls down and a bank of the one ball on his way to taking the 2-0 lead. Morris came up dry in the third which decided to push out from. Morris missed the jump pot but Immonen also failed to pot the one, allowing Morris to pull one back. Immonen regained momentum with another cut and run in the fourth to make it 3-1 and the edgy Morris missed a safety attempt to leave Immonen a clear up to make it 4-1. Immonen's flawless breaking continued as he made it to the hill and wasted no time in winning the game 6-1 when Morris missed the three ball twice after a nice 3-5 combination. Making it 9-6 to Europe.

The second saw Archer participate in the must win game against Boyes. Archer won the lag but came up dry. A nervous Boyes fouled on the three, leaving Archer to take the rack. Boyes' nerves fared no better after he scratched on his break to allow Archer a 2-9 combination to make it 2-0. Archer stamped his authority with a cut and run to get halfway to the vital point and made it 4-0 when Boyes missed a safety on the one ball. Archer cut his own momentum by making an illegal break to give Boyes a rack back with the clear-up. Boyes then made a superlative jump bank pot on the three before missing an average four with his next shot. Allowing Archer to get to the hill at 5-1. Archer couldn't seal it in the next rack as he came up dry yet again, Boyes cleared up which included a 1-7 combination. Boyes pulled another rack back in the eighth with a cut and run. With Archer on the back foot he snookered himself on the two after his next break, allowing Boyes to be within one of The Scorpion. Boyes then levelled after Archer surprisingly scratched on the six. But he managed to stumble over the line with a final cut and run to win 6-5. Making the score now 9-7 to Europe.

The final game of the session saw Hatch take on Van Den Berg. Van Den Berg won the lag but scratched off the break to leave Hatch with a clear-up. Hatch doubled his lead with a cut and run before Van Den Berg scratched for a second time off the break. Van Den Berg had a chance to pull a rack back but he missed the six to give Hatch a 4-0 advantage. It started to turn in the fifth as Van Den Berg made a cut and run before Hatch scratched off the break to make it 4-2. Van Den Berg followed up with another cut and run with Hatch then scratching again to leave a 5-9 combination for Van Den Berg. Van Den Berg made two off the break in the ninth but had to play safe. Hatch then made an unsporting intentional foul to tie up the three, four and five. However karma came around and allowed Van Den Berg to clear-up to make it 5-4 to the Dutchman. Hatch replied instantly with a cut and run to take it into the final rack where Van Den Berg would be breaking. It turned into a safety duel with Van Den Berg potting the one and Hatch potting the two. Van Den Berg then fouled on the four after being snookered to give Hatch the clear-up and to win the game 6-5. Making the score 9-8 in favour of Europe going into the final session tonight.

Mosconi Cup: Day 3, Evening Session

With Europe taking the afternoon session 2-1, the overall score was now 5-5 going into the penultimate evening session. Europe still failed to take the lead after Appleton & Van Den Berg went 4-1 ahead against Hatch & Van Boening. But the plucky Americans fought back and won the following four racks to take the game 5-4 and give USA the lead yet again, 6-5.

With a pattern emerging you might have been able to predict the outcome of the second match as Boyes & Souquet took on Morris & Archer. The Europeans again led 4-1 before Morris & Archer were able to pull it back to 4-4. The final break was a good one from Souquet and Europe won the game 5-4. Equalising the overall score for the fifth time so far.

Then the tables turned as Hatch took on Appleton in an explosive encounter. This time it was Hatch who flew out of the traps to take a 4-1 lead. But just like in the previous two matches, Appleton pulled it back to 4-4. Hatch was favourite to win the final rack after he broke but he missed the eight allowing Appleton to storm in and steal the game 5-4. Giving Europe the lead for the first time since the team game on day 1.

The final game saw Van Den Berg & Immonen take on Van Boening & Deuel with the Americans needing to level overnight. However the Americans looked like they had ran out of steam and the Europeans won 5-1. Meaning that after day 3 Europe lead 8-6, with the final day left to play.

Mosconi Cup: Day 3, Afternoon Session

As the weekend approaches, the Mosconi Cup has afternoon sessions on days three and four. The matches are also cut shorter so it becomes a race to five not six. Day three's afternoon session kicked off with doubles action as Boyes & Immonen took on Hatch & Archer. With the Americans having a second overnight lead at 4-3, Archer won the lag so the Americans would break first. Hatch made a good starting break with two balls down but Archer looked hampered on the two ball. However he was able to fluke it, showing the first signs of good luck, but Hatch missed the following three allowing Europe to clear up and take the lead. It was 2-0 straight after when Immonen's break led to a cut and run and it went to 3-0 after Archer made a ball from the break but Hatch missed a difficult one ball, leaving the clear up for the Europeans. Boyes scratched off the break in rack four allowing the Americans to put a rack on the board but Hatch returned the favour to allow Europe to take a 4-1 lead. With the victory in sight, Immonen powered three balls in the break to leave Europe an easy cut and run to win the game 5-1 and again level overall.

Archer and Immonen stayed out as the second match was also a doubles match. Deuel accompanied Archer this time with Souquet partnering Immonen. This time the Europeans won the lag but Immonen couldn't take advantage from his break. Deuel played a majestic 2-8 carom double pot before it all got defensive. That was until Archer made another fluke with a 3-4 combination to allow America to take the first rack. Deuel then made an illegal break but left the cue ball agonisingly in the jaws so the Europeans could do nothing so America doubled their lead. Souquet made two balls from the break in the third rack but had to elect for a push out. Deuel missed a safety attempt to allow Europe to pull a rack back. Archer restored a two rack lead with a quick cut and run but Deuel again missed a safety attempt in the fifth to allow the score to become 3-2. Deuel made a ball in the sixth before electing a push out that was given back, Archer's guardian angel was shining again, as he fluked a 2-7 combination before leaving a snooker that Immonen fouled from, making it 4-2. Souquet made a ball off the break in the seventh but it was not enough as the American pairing took the rack to win 5-2 and regain the overall lead 5-4.

The final game of the afternoon saw Rodney Morris take on the debutant Karl Boyes. Boyes won the lag but scratched from the break to allow Morris to take the early lead. Morris' opening break saw two balls potted but another stroke of luck as the cue ball balanced in the jaws of the pocket. Boyes got the last laugh, however, as Morris failed to make a decent safety attempt to give Boyes the chance to level the score. Boyes took the momentum with a cut and run in the third to take the lead, before Morris retaliated with a cut and run of his own which included a bank shot on the two, making the score 2-2. Boyes again mastered the break with another cut and run to re-take the lead. Morris looked to respond again but became too casual and surprisingly missed the nine to give Boyes a present to make it to the hill. Boyes then finished The Rocket off with yet another cut and run to win the game 5-2. Making the overall 5-5 as we go into the evening session later tonight.

Mosconi Cup: Day 2

With USA taking the overnight lead, Europe had to perform in the second day. However it turned out to be just as close as day one with both teams providing great entertainment. The opening match of the night was the final match of day one, which was postponed, between Archer & Van Boening against the English duo Appleton & Boyes. The game had everything you could have expected with missed shots, inventive shots and everything in between. The game finished 6-3 to Appleton & Boyes but it could have been over sooner if Boyes hadn't have let nerves get the better of him to miss a nine ball. This win put Europe back level with USA at 2-2.

The second game saw Archer stay at the table as he took on Souquet, neither captain had started the tournament well with Souquet just about playing worse. This showed when Archer stormed into a 4-0 lead. But out of the blue Souquet found his potting cue and got back at Archer to lead 5-4, to Archer's amazement. But Souquet ran out of steam and Archer won the remaining two racks to take the game 6-5. Giving USA a 3-2 lead.

Darron Appleton was already looking for the MVP award with another stellar performance as he & Souquet took on Morris and Deuel. The Americans went 5-4 ahead and looked to be cruising to a 6-4 victory when a cut and run was on the cards. But Deuel badly overshot position which Morris failed to play safe and Europe levelled. With Europe breaking in the final rack Appleton potted three balls and Europe cleared to snatch the win 6-5. Again levelling overall 3-3.

The final match of the night for that crucial overnight lead saw Van Boening take on Van Den Berg. Van Den Berg was looking good and was having the luck on his side. But the score still went to 5-5 and the final rack saw Van Boening fluke a safe two which allowed him to make a 3-9 combination to seal the win 6-5 and give USA the overnight lead at 4-3.

Mosconi Cup: Day 1

Nine-Ball Pool's answer to the Ryder Cup started yesterday in the York Hall, Bethnal Green. The 17th annual Mosconi cup sees the five best Americans take on the five best Europeans in a four day event. Matches are first to six racks and the team that gets eleven points first become champions. USA won the Mosconi Cup last year with a 11-7 victory.

Opening match of the tournament saw all five members of each team take on each other in the baker match. Nick Van Den Berg of Holland broke the first rack after captain Souquet of Germany won the lag, he potted two from the break but the one ball was unpottable. This lead to a defensive battle which the German captain Souquet finished by banking it. USA went onto take the initiative but Hatch missed the four ball, from there Europe cut and run with Van Den Berg potting the nine to give Europe a 1-0 lead.
The breaking format is alternate so Rodney 'Rocket' Morris broke for USA in the second rack, he potted a ball but the team elected for a push out. Souquet stepped up and made a snooker which Johnny Archer re-made and Mika 'Iceman' Immonen of Finland escaped it. Shane Van Boening as next to provide a snooker which Souquet escaped. Englishman Karl Boyes turned the tables on his Mosconi Cup debut with a snooker of his own which Morris escaped. Corey Deuel finally potted the one ball but Archer missed the two. Englishman Darron Appleton potted it and Europe cut and run with Immonen potting the nine ball to make it 2-0.
Souquet broke in the third and potted a ball but a defensive encounter ensued. Van Den Berg misses the two which Dennis Hatch potted. Morris followed with a nice carom off the three ball to pot the eight and USA cleared up with Deuel potting the nine to make it 2-1.
Archer potted two balls in his break and USA were looking like they were going cut and run before Van Boening missed the eight. Appleton potted it and Immonen potted the nine to make it 3-1.
Souquet broke again in the fifth and potted a ball but snookered his teammate on the two ball and elected to push out. Hatch missed his pot but luckily got a snooker. Van Den Berg replaced the snooker but because no ball touched a cushion it was deemed a foul and USA were awarded a ball in hand. USA cut and run with Deuel potting the nine ball again to make it 2-3.
Archer pulled a dry break on his second attempt in the match. Appleton missed the one ball which Van Boening potted. Morris then missed the three ball which Immonen potted to allow Europe to cut and run with Souquet potting the nine. 2-4.
Boyes broke in the seventh rack and Van Den Berg produced a snooker. Deuel escaped and Archer went onto pot the two ball. Deuel made a snooker on the six ball which Immonen scratched from to allow USA to cut and run. Morris potted the nine ball to make it 3-4.
Deuel then broke dry and Souquet potted the one but snookered teammate Boyes on the two. Boyes' attempt saw the two finish in the jaws of the pocket leaving Archer an easy pot. Van Boening then left the three open allowing Van Den Berg to pot it. Appleton applied pressure with a snooker on the four but Hatch escaped. Morris went onto pot the four but Deuel missed the five. Souquet then potted the five before a safety duel occurred. Van Boening went onto bank the seven to allow Hatch to pot the eight and Morris the nine to level the score at 4-4.
Immonen made the first illegal break of the night, he potted a ball but two others failed to pass the head string. Deuel missed the one though and Souquet punished him. Archer made a pot on the three which allowed USA to cut and run with Van Boening potting the nine ball to give USA the lead for the first time.
Hatch broke for the win and potted a ball but USA elected for a push out which the Europeans decided to give back. Van Den Berg applied pressure with a snooker but Deuel replaced it and Appleton escaped . Archer then made a 1-3 combination shot before Immonen made a snooker. Hatch managed to fluke the one but Morris missed the two, leaving Souquet to snooker. Boyes went onto pot the two before Van Den Berg missed a 4-6 combination. Morris fouled on the eight ball leaving Appleton to pot it and Immonen to pot the nine to make it 5-5.
The final rack was broke by Souquet and he potted a ball. Deuel missed the one which Van Den Berg potted to allow Europe to cut and run, Immonen potted the nine and Europe won the first point with a 5-6 victory.
The second game saw a doubles match between Hatch & Morris against Souquet & Van Den Berg. Morris broke first after winning the lag but came up dry and it was also illegal. Van Den Berg missed a early carom onto the nine and Hatch made a snooker from it. Souquet escaped it but Morris potted the one to allow them to cut and run with Morris finishing what he started. 1-0.
Van Den Berg broke in the second and potted a ball. Hatch potted the two after a mistake and he went onto finish what he started to give them a 2-0 lead.
Hatch potted three balls off his break but they still elected to push out. It was given back and Morris made a snooker. Souquet fouled to allow Morris to snooker again on the four. Van Den Berg escaped and Souquet managed to pot the four before he scratched on the nine ball. Morris did the honours to make it 3-0.
Souquet potted a ball of his break but it scratched and nine ball also went down. With the nine ball re-spotted Hatch and Morris cut and run to make it 4-0.
Morris potted two balls from his break in the fifth but Hatch played safe on the three. It didn't work as Van Den Berg fluked the three but Souquet missed the easy four. Morris punished The Kaiser but missed the six after a poor positional finish from Hatch. Van den Berg potted the six but again over-ran for position which Souquet went onto miss the seven. The Americans finished it off and made 5-0.
Van Den Berg broke to keep his partner and himself in the game, he made a ball. Van Den Berg went onto produce a snooker which Morris escaped from. Souquet potted the five to allow the Europeans to cut and run to pull a leg back, 5-1.
Hatch made a ball in the seventh but Morris elected for a push out which was given back. It was the right choice as Souquet potted the one to allow the cut and run to make it 5-2.
Souquet broke dry in the eighth but Hatch could only provide a snooker. Van Den Berg replaced it but Morris chip potted the one ball before Hatch missed the two. Souquet then produced a snooker which Morris escaped but left the two on. Van Den Berg potted it to cut and run to make it 5-3.
Morris broke and potted the one ball to give himself and Hatch a great opportunity to cut and run. Hatch however missed the eight ball after bad position from Morris to allow the Europeans to pull it back to 5-4.
Van Den Berg broke in the tenth and made two balls. But Van Den Berg went onto miss a reverse bank shot on the four to allow the Americans to cut and run and win the game 6-4. Making the overall score 1-1.
The third game saw a singles match between Corey Deuel and Mika Immonen. The American won the lag and potted two off his opening break. He played safe on the two but Immonen was able to bank it and clear up to take a 0-1 lead.
Immonen made the first cut and run straight form the break to double his lead before Deuel scratched his break in the third. This gave The Iceman the chance to make a 1-9 combination and he didn't disappoint. 0-3.
Immonen made another three balls from his second break and potted the four in off the seven. But he missed a safety shot on the six allowing Deuel to cut and run and put a rack on the board. 1-3.
It was soon 2-3 when Deuel made two balls of the next break leaving him a 3-9 carom. The American took it to go within one of his opponent.
Immonen carried on the fine breaking form with another two balls. He snookered Deuel on the two before going onto pot it. Deuel then made a snooker on the three before scratching. Immonen potted the four before then scratching as well, leaving Deuel to clear up and equalise, 3-3.
Deuel made the first illegal break of the game despite potting a ball. Deuel then missed an inventive 2-9 combination which left the same combination on for Immonen. The Finn didn't miss and restored his lead. 3-4.
Immonen made another three ball on his break before playing safe on the three. Deuel went onto pot it and clear up to level again at 4-4.
Deuel also potted three balls from his next break in the ninth. Immonen potted the two ball before missing the six but getting a snooker. Deuel returned the favour which left Immonen to scratch the cue ball, allowing Deuel to take the lead for the first time, 5-4.
Immonen made two balls in the tenth rack before producing a snooker on the two ball. Deuel again returned the favour which Immonen intentionally fouled from to tie up some balls. What he didn't count on was for Deuel to make a 2-9 combination to win the game 6-4.
There was supposed to be another doubles match but it was getting late so the referees decided to leave it until tomorrow. This meant that after day one of the 17th Mosconi Cup USA lead 2-1.