The Mosconi Cup returns stateside and debuts in Orlando, Florida from November 30 to December 3 as defending champions Europe renew their fierce rivalry against the Americans.
Having won both of the last two editions in Las Vegas and London with the same team, Europe have been forced into a couple of changes this time around, fashioning one of the closest Mosconi Cups in recent years on paper.
Both World Championship runner-up Eklent Kaci and European Open champion Mickey Krause qualified via the World Nineball Tour rankings, joining captain Jayson Shaw, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide on the European team.
Denmark’s Krause will become the first rookie to compete at the Mosconi Cup since Sanchez Ruiz three years ago, and the same five players who were defeated by Asia in the inaugural Reyes Cup will travel to the sunshine state.
Newly-elected captain Skyler Woodward, who will be the host’s first playing captain since Earl Strickland in 2001, selected Billy Thorpe as his wildcard selection. World number one and world champion Fedor Gorst, the record-breaking Shane van Boening and Tyler Styer complete the USA team.
Thorpe played a crucial role when the Americans clinched back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019, while Van Boening will break the record for the most Mosconi Cup appearances when he steps into the arena for an 18th time.
The $300,000 event will begin in traditional fashion with the teams opener on Saturday afternoon, although a format amendment for this year will see a teams match get each of the first three days underway.
In addition, this year will involve more doubles matches in similar fashion to October’s Reyes Cup. The final day will remain singles throughout nonetheless, while a captain’s pick will determine the final match should it be tied at ten apiece.
All matches will be race-to-five racks, alternate break and be played in accordance with the World Nineball Tour rules, with the winning team receiving an increased $40,000 per player.
Coverage will be shown via Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland as well as DAZN in the USA and other territories, with Karl Boyes and Scott Frost providing punditry. A full list of broadcasters can be found here.
The Press Conference will take place from 3pm on Friday, November 29 at the Caribe Orlando Resort in Florida.
MOSCONI CUP 2024
Schedule of Play
Saturday November 30 (1pm)
USA 1-5 Europe
Woodward/Thorpe 2-5 Shaw/Alcaide
Tyler Styer 5-3 Mickey Krause
Gorst/Van Boening 2-5 Kaci/Sanchez Ruiz
Skyler Woodward 5-2 Eklent Kaci
USA 2-3 Europe
Sunday December 1 (1pm)
USA 5-2 Europe
Fedor Gorst 2-5 Jayson Shaw
Styer/Thorpe 5-4 Shaw/Krause
Shane van Boening 1-5 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz
Woodward/Gorst 4-5 Kaci/Alcaide
USA 4-6 Europe
Monday December 2 (1pm)
USA 5-3 Europe
Van Boening/Woodward 1-5 Krause/Sanchez Ruiz
Billy Thorpe 3-5 David Alcaide
Gorst/Styer 3-5 Shaw/Kaci
USA 5-9 Europe
Tuesday December 3 (1pm)
Skyler Woodward 0-5 Jayson Shaw
Fedor Gorst 5-4 Mickey Krause
Skyler Woodward 4-5 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz
USA 6-11 Europe
Prize Fund
Champions – $40,000 per player
Runners-up – $20,000 per player
Total – $300,000
