Scottish pool master Jayson Shaw insists his Team Europe side are determined to keep hold of their Mosconi Cup defence at Alexandra Palace from Wednesday, December 3 right until Saturday, December 6, writes Ziad Chaudry.
Nine-ball pool’s greatest transatlantic team competition returns to the iconic Wood Green venue for the 32nd edition, where Team Europe will be looking to extend their unbeaten run over Team USA to six years.
Last year, Team Europe visited Team USA’s territory of Caribe Royale, Orlando, where they triumphed to an 11-6 success.
And at the last staging at Ally Pally back in 2023, Team Europe came out convincing 11-3 winners.
The 37-year-old Glasgow-born Shaw captains the European side for the second time in his Mosconi Cup career.
Germany’s Joshua ‘Killer’ Filler, David Alcaide of Spain, who recently claimed the World NineBall Pool Tour inaugural Philippine Open title, plus Mosconi Cup debutants Premier League Pool champion Moritz Neuhausen, also from Germany, and Lithuania’s Pijus Labutis all make up the hosts’ strong line-up.
"It’s going to be a battle, no doubt, but we’re ready for it," Shaw told Matchroom Pool official website.
"This is our house and we’re here to defend it.
"Last year, we proved what we’re capable of.
"Now it’s about doing it again in front of our fans and on our turf."
Skyler Woodward once again leads the charge as captain for Team Europe alongside current world ranked number one Fedor Gorst, five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening who will make a record-breaking 19th Mosconi Cup appearance, Tyler Styer and Billy Thorpe.
"We’re coming to London with a purpose and we’re not leaving without a fight," Woodward, 32, said.
"We learned a lot last year.
"We saw what needed to change.
"This time we’re ready.
"This time we do things our way."
A limited number of tickets are still available by going to www.matchroompool.com or in person at the Alexandra Palace box office, otherwise catch all the action on Sky Sports Mix.
