11-5 Mosconi Cup Victory For Europe

On 14 December, for the first time ever, team Europe retained their title as Mosconi Cup winners and what a victory it was!

Sponsored by PartyPoker.com at Malta's Hilton Hotel in Portomaso, the two teams had gone head to head from day 1 on December 11. The passion was clear for all to see; no-one wanted to give an inch. It clearly meant a great deal to everyone involved. This was no ordinary game of 9ball!

The MVP was Mika Immonen from Team Europe, undoubtedly the strongest player over the 4 days and possibly one of the strongest on the current world pool circuit. Ralf Souquet was nothing short of brilliant - he won every one of his matches. Complimenting them on Team Europe was Neils Feijen, Tony Drago and Mark Gray. Alex Lely was their non-playing captain.

The USA fielded a strong team with legends Johnny Archer and Earl Strickland doing their best to lead their younger compatriots Rodney Morris, Shane Van Boening and Jeremy Jones. Nick Varner was their non-playing captain but despite all his efforts of support, they just couldn't match the strength and tenacity of Team Europe.

A great tournament with some really exciting battles - that's what the Mosconi Cup has always been about. Roll on the next one in 2009 and watch out Las Vegas!

World Cup Of Pool Victory For USA

On 12 October the USA claimed its first ever victory at the World Cup of Pool Title.

Team USA's victorious World Cup of Pool pair Rodney Morris and Shane van Boening were clearly proud at becoming the first American players to win the prestigious team trophy. Morris and van Boening defeated Daryl Peach and Mark Gray from the English team (score 11-7) in a thrilling final at the Outland nightclub in Rotterdam, Holland.

"This is a major tournament, a world event, a world title, so to win this is just awesome," said Morris."We didn't perform at our best in the beginning of the tournament but that's why we were seeded and we felt good and gelled nicely. Shane is a good partner because he never misses. I think we peaked at the right time and got a nice rhythm. Shane got me playing a little smarter and tighter and got me concentrating. It's more special for me to see Shane win and I was trying hard not to let him down. I'm just happy we made it and it's a relief. I didn't want to let my team down and that keeps me tight."

This was the first time that Shane van Boening had represented the USA in this tournament and he strongly felt that he and Morris had made their own bit of history.

"Winning this means we are the first American team to win it and that really means something," said van Boening. "We didn't know each other very well at the start but we got along well and had a good time. We're looking forward to coming back next year and defending our title".