The Rest of the World’s Jayson Shaw is relishing the challenge of facing a star-studded Asian team as the Reyes Cup returns in the Philippines.
Shaw will be amongst a five-man Rest of the World team attempting to obtain the trophy from Asian possession, lining up alongside Fedor Gorst, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, Skyler Woodward and Moritz Neuhausen.
Having become a seven-time Mosconi Cup champion and been named MVP on three occasions, British number one Shaw has evolved into the ultimate performer in teams invitationals and arguably the first name on the roster.
“Obviously any time a team event comes up and I’m part of it, I’m always ready for it,” said Shaw, who will undoubtedly take on the mantle of spurring on his Rest of the World teammates.
“I’ve played in a lot of team events, so I feel being around players and having fun and trying to help them not be so stressed or put a lot of pressure on themself, I’m good at taking that away from players. I feel like I bring a lot to the team.”
Shaw was on the European team that was emphatically beaten in last year’s inaugural edition, although he will be out to exact revenge with the addition of Mosconi Cup rivals Gorst and Woodward.
He was bullish about the Rest of the World’s chances and believes Asia, consisting of last year’s MVP Aloysius Yapp, world champion Carlo Biado, Johann Chua, Duong Quoc Hoang and Filipino teenager AJ Manas, will be under significantly more pressure this year.
“It’s different team this time, but I feel last year we were rushing for time to get together and you know gel a little bit as a team. We didn’t really have many days,” Shaw explained.
“We’ve spent probably like the last two weeks together travelling for different events so we kind of knew what most of the team would be and I feel like we’ve gelled well together. We’ve had some nice practice sessions and had a lot of fun.
“I know they have a strong team, but when it’s go time, we know what we bring and we’ll be ready. I’m sure with a lot more fans and a lot more people in the venue, Asia will definitely feel the heat this year.
“I know AJ it’s going to be his first time. He’s a great young talent, a nice kid too, but he’s going to feel the heat out there. I think Moritz will feel it too, but let’s see who handles it the best and may the best team win.”
