December 11th | Europe is Mosconi Cup champion

The last day of the Mosconi Cup started with 10-5 for Europe. USA had to win every scheduled match to win the event, Europe only one. Team Europe knew that it was not going to be easy.

USA lined up the big guns, first. Shane Van Boening showed great form. Nick van den Berg’s miss of an 8ball lead to a score advantage for Van Boening and he kept widening the gap. Nick was not able to bridge it.

Then, it was Johnny Archers turn. He drew first blood and when Darren Appleton produced a dry break, Archer punished without hesitation. The torture continued, as Archer produced a golden break. Two mistakes by Archer – a miss and a scratch –enabled Appleton to crawl back. But Darren returned the favour and missed a 2ball, leading to a point for Archer. USA wins the second match, too.

New hope, as Niels Feijen gets a shot at the title against Rodney Morris. It was without a doubt the strangest match of the entire event. The tension was palpable, both players showed stress and made unforced errors. Eventually, this resulted in a failed safety attempt. Rodney leaves an open table. Niels Feijen terminates the rack, the match and the four day long battle. Europe retains the title, 2011 Mosconi Cup champion.

Nick Van den Berg 2-6 Shane Van Boening, Europa 10-6 USA
Darren Appleton 3-6 Johnny Archer, Europa 10-7 USA
Niels Feijen 6-3 Rodney Morris,

Europa 11-7 USA