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"The Mosconi Cup and UK Championship snooker"

The Mosconi cup, for those not sure, is the Ryder Cup of pool as America take on Europe. It started out as a bit of fun as European snooker and pool players took on American pool players but for the last few years, it's become a much more serious event.

This is the 13th meeting between the 2 sides since its inception in 1994 and America have a 10-2 lead. It all begins on the 7th of December in Rotterdam and, if America don't wipe the floor with Europe, it should end on Sunday the 10th.

The teams are (according to the website):

USA

Earl Strickland
Johnny Archer
Rodney Morris
Corey Deuel
Mike Davis (rookie)
John Schmidt (rookie)

Europe

Mika Immonen
Ralf Souquet
Thomas Engert
Nick Van Den Berg
Imran Majid (rookie)
David Alcaide (rookie)

I'm hoping for more Strickland ranting personally.

Steve Davis used to be a regular feature of the European side but he is participating in the UK Championship, which has clashed with the Mosconi Cup for the 2nd year running.

The UK Championship is the 2nd biggest snooker tournament in the calendar and the televised phase of the competition begins Saturday, although by then some of the big names may already be out.

Ding Junhui beat Steve Davis in the final last year. Ding will have to travel from the Asian Games to play his game on Saturday and if he reaches the final in Asia, he'll be playing Thursday, travelling Friday and playing Saturday, probably with a nice bit of jet lag.

So, basically, discuss the two competitions. Should be a good week or so of cue sports.

Anyway, the competition is really heating up with America taking the first 2 matches today for 9-8. Should be an interesting evening.

And that's 9-9. Great fightback from the Americans.

In the UK championship, Ding overcame tough opposition in Ryan Day. I think I read that Davis is facing McManus. Pretty much certain of running late at night then. :D

I can't say I've noticed it. Sure, the support for the Europeans is boisterous but it's not different in America or anywhere else. The crowd gets behind the local team/player.

I've noticed Americans get applauded for good shots during their matches but then I'm more watching the matches. I tend to phase the crowd out when I'm watching.

Sure, the crowd response isn't as great as it could be for the opposing team but I think it's more down to the history of the competition more than anything. Plus, it seems that the Europeans tend to care more about the Mosconi cup than the American fans do. There has been very few American fans who have made the trip to European venues but Europeans have made the trip to the American venue.

Except it's not just Earl getting it so it's not just the Earl factor. It must be incredibly annoying to not have any applause while playing then just as soon as they get onto the 9 ball the applause magically starts. Strange that.

Switch it to USA vs Asia like i said and make the European one into a 6 nations style thing then they can be moronic twits all they like to each other

I don't think there has been anything particularly wrong with the crowd in recent tournaments. I think Strickland doesn't do himself any favours. He complains about not getting any support when they do applaud the good shots and then shoots himself in the foot by swearing at the crowd.

Strickland has done it before, even to an Asian crowd in the World Championships a couple of years ago. He just seems to get the crowd against him very easily, which is good entertainment because Earl starts losing it. :D

I'm surprised it's been since 1983 since he last broke one the way he swings them around.

And there's a difference between a crowd being entertaining and just a room full of disrespectful idiots.

Why on earth would you want a respectful crowd? Without the crowd and Strickland, the Mosconi cup would be nothing. :)

Strickland was great. Smashing his cue. Brilliant. Where would we be without Strickland to entertain us? :D

9-6 at the end of play. Europe need 4, America need 6 as a draw means America retain.

Note to European players: Notice how Morris went to shake Immanen's hand first before dancing about like a loon in celebration. Also first thing Earl does is shake Engert's hand


haha great interview from Strickland.

Naughty Strickland, sit down

Haha you muppet Strickland, but then a choke from Engert. The interview upcoming should be good, he's already cursing out the people while shooting those last two balls. Or maybe not, fair play to Earl, why stand there and be disrespected by morons.

Darn taking the high road Earl, curse you that's not entertaining :-D

I'm guessing Mike Davis was the only player to come through this year if he's the rookie of the year. He's awful

Morris' interview was certainly eye-opening. Seems there's some friction between Archer and Strickland and the rest of the team. Looks like they were already putting Europe's name on the trophy themselves before it even started

With each visit to Europe for the Mosconi Cup i wish more and more that we'd just switch it to USA vs Asia as that way we'll actually get a respectful crowd (and maybe a challenge :-D) Also maybe a bit of class and respect from the opposition

It seems like most of the Americans are in a bad mood today. Some colourful language was said.

Europe are certain of a lead going into Sunday as Europe win 2 out of 3 for an 8-4 lead.

Strickland is having a bad day. He's moaning and they turned the volume up while the balls were being set up and he swore. :)