Shaw: Europe Will Crush USA at Mosconi Cup
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Tempers flared at the Mosconi Cup press conference between Team Europe and Team USA! Tempers flared at the Mosconi Cup press conference between Team Europe and Team USA!
Jayson Shaw has made it clear Team Europe have come to London to win the Mosconi Cup, insisting the Americans are “here to get paid” and vowing to “crush” them at Alexandra Palace.
Europe arrive bidding for a sixth consecutive success and have dominated the event in recent years, winning 15 of the last 18 Cups since 2007. The overall record sits at 17 wins for Europe to the USA’s 13.
Shaw, speaking to Sky Sports, was uncompromising about Europe’s approach: “I don't think they will stop the rot. The same five last year got beat convincingly so I think we know what to do. We play our game and get in front, they'll crumble. When we're down we keep fighting, when they're down they give in — we can see it in their faces. If we get off to a good start, we'll crush them. You'll be seeing me strutting my stuff and doing my thing. We'll win 11-6. I can't see them getting past six. We're here to win — they're here to get paid.”
Team Europe
- Wins: 17 (including a run of wins since 2007)
- Captain: Jayson Shaw
- Squad: Moritz Neuhausen, Pijus Labutis, Joshua Filler, David Alcaide
Shaw returns as playing captain to extend Europe’s dominance. The squad features two debutants — Premier League Pool champion Moritz Neuhausen and Hanoi Open winner Pijus Labutis — alongside established stars Joshua Filler and David Alcaide.
Team USA
- Wins: 13
- Captain: Skyler Woodward
- Squad: Fedor Gorst, Shane Van Boening, Tyler Styer, Billy Thorpe
Woodward leads a strong American side looking to reclaim the trophy. World No.1 Fedor Gorst is listed alongside five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening, who makes a record 19th Mosconi Cup appearance, with Tyler Styer and Billy Thorpe completing the roster.
Day One schedule (highlights)
Match 1 — Team match: Europe vs USA
Match 2 — Doubles: Joshua Filler & David Alcaide vs Fedor Gorst & Shane Van Boening
Match 3 — Singles: Jayson Shaw vs Skyler Woodward
Match 4 — Doubles: Moritz Neuhausen & Pijus Labutis vs Tyler Styer & Billy Thorpe
About the Mosconi Cup
Named after American pool legend Willie Mosconi, the Mosconi Cup is a Ryder Cup–style nine-ball competition pitting Europe against the USA over four days of team, doubles and singles matches. The event began in 1994 and, after early American dominance, Europe have been the stronger side in recent seasons.
Format
Each team fields five players across a mix of singles, doubles and team matches. Three players qualify automatically via the World Nineball Tour standings and each captain adds two wildcards. Matches are race-to-five racks with alternate break, played under World Nineball Tour rules. The event runs over four days, opening with the team match and concluding with final-day singles. If the contest reaches 10-10, a captain’s pick decides the winner. (Note: the 2006 Mosconi Cup finished 12-12, with Team USA retaining the trophy.)
Prize money
- Champions: $40,000 per player
- Runners-up: $20,000 per player
- Total prize fund: $300,000
How to watch
All sessions are live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 3 and continues at the same time each day through Saturday, December 6. Viewers can watch on Sky Sports, stream with NOW, or via the Sky Sports app.
Sports World Zone Staff
Writing on Athletics
