Europe have successfully defended the prestigious Mosconi Cup and claimed the bragging rights for a fourth consecutive year, completing an 11-3 rout over their American rivals at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Joshua Filler was named as the MVP for the second time in as many years and played a crucial role in the European dominance, although it was David Alcaide who potted the winning nine ball and guided his team to victory.
Seventeen years after his debut in the trans-Atlantic tussle, Spain’s Alcaide capitalised on an unfortunate error from Shane Wolford to defeat the American rookie in a deciding rack and secure the spoils for the Europeans.
It was a dramatic conclusion in the capital and the Ally Pally audience were left bewildered during the early exchanges when Alcaide’s seven ball attempt leaped back out of the pocket, and a bemused Wolford proceeded to miss the same ball.
Alcaide soon executed an incredible bank with a sharp angle but juggled the jaw with a similar shot on the four ball, allowing Wolford to clear the table and restore parity at two apiece in a captivating contest.
Wolford received an opportunity to lead 3-2 after Alcaide missed position for the nine and then overcut a tough shot, although the American was unable to take advantage and handed the Spaniard the ascendancy.
A gripping deciding rack witnessed both players produce stunning safety shots, with Wolford notably executing a controlled escape with meticulous speed. A subsequent table-length thin edge saw him scratch nonetheless, leaving it on a silver platter for Alcaide.
Alcaide graciously showed tremendous respect for his opponent despite his Spanish amigo Francisco Sanchez Ruiz sprinting towards him, before the whole European team congratulated him and jumped onto the table to celebrate another rampant victory over their old adversaries.
European captain Ralph Eckert was revelling in the occasion alongside his team of champions, three of who in Jayson Shaw, Joshua Filler and Albin Ouschan are quickly becoming Mosconi Cup legends following another exquisite display throughout the four days.
Filler and Ouschan had climbed Europe onto the hill following a composed victory over Skyler Woodward and Tyler Styer in what proved to be the penultimate match of the tournament, with Filler bouncing back from a defeat in Saturday’s opener.
Shane van Boening, who experienced a disappointing week by all accounts, achieved his first ever singles victory over Filler at the sixth time of asking to end a week of predominant lows with a much-needed high.
Nevertheless, the 30th anniversary belonged to the Europeans who achieved history and leapfrogged their rivals on the overall standings, trousering $40,000 each in a lucrative campaign in front of an electric Alexandra Palace auditorium.
