Shane Wolford has expressed his sheer pride and proudness as the youngster prepares for his Mosconi Cup debut on the American team at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace.
Wolford, who won the Chuck Markulis Memorial to secure his maiden World Nineball Tour ranking title in June, was one of two wildcard selections made by American captain Jeremy Jones following October’s Hanoi Open.
The Texas-based cueist, who is ranked 43rd in the world rankings, features alongside Skyler Woodward, Shane van Boening, Fedor Gorst and Tyler Styer as the Americans attempt to win only their fourth title in 17 years.
“I feel great and I’m ready to go – it’s going to be a great experience,” Wolford expressed, having received a warm reception from the opposition team and those in attendance at Tuesday’s press conference.
“I’m looking forward to getting that high school football feel from all the fans, so I’m really excited about that and it gets me in a really good state of mind.
“The team all gets along very well. We gel very well and everybody’s got each other’s back. During the regular times when I play these guys, I want to gut them but now we’re together and ready to do it as one. We’re like brothers and we’re ready to go to war together.
“I was riding in the car with my fiancee when I got the call and was super excited and super proud. I got a little emotional but I’m really glad to be here and grateful for the opportunity.”
Wolford will technically not be the only rookie on the American team as Moscow-born Gorst makes his debut for the stars and stripes following his switching of allegiances ahead of this year’s event.
The former world champion represented Europe in the behind closed doors edition of the tournament back in 2020 but this year will be a contrasting occasion with more than 2,500 fans in attendance.
“It’s been incredible and a little bit of a crazy year,” Gorst told Emily Frazer. “I didn’t expect to be sitting here on this side of the room at the beginning of this year, but I’m happy with the way everything went and looking forward to my new journey.
“I’ve been living in the United States for the last two years, and at the US Open it was very special to be playing in the finals as almost everyone was cheering for me. It was a very special moment for me.”
US Open runner-up Gorst had hundreds of fans in his corner during that Atlantic City run as well as at the Hanoi Open in Vietnam, but how will the world number three fair when thousands are firmly against him?
“I don’t know – I’ve never really experienced this before so we’re going to find out tomorrow I guess,” Gorst candidly explained. “I’m a rookie. I’m trying to prepare differently but I don’t really know what to expect because I’ve just watched it on TV and never even been a fan in the stands.”
Wolford and Gorst will both make their American debuts in the teams opener on Wednesday evening at London’s Alexandra Palace, before playing doubles together later in the session.
