American 9-Ball In Decline

Tags

9-Ball, Europe, Mosconi Cup, Pool, Snooker, USA

A decade ago, in the 9-ball world, the USA were winning almost everything – especially the Mosconi Cup. Their superiority was based around smarter tactics, more experience, and a general higher level of nous.

Now Europe, and in particular Britain, has caught up. Well, they’ve actually done more than that – they have surpassed the USA. While there is no real difference in terms of skills and brain-play, the gap is down to a far superior technique displayed this side of the pond.

A snooker background is more common in Europe (especially Britain) than in the USA, and now that “we” have narrowed the gap tactically it is the USA’s turn to look about and attempt to decipher what is causing their slide.

If you watch the American players, their fundamentals are poor. Examples vary: a loose or curious stance, unconventional bridges, wobbling heads; too much movement. This failure will most commonly manifest itself in silly mistakes, or long pots, when under pressure; a good and solid technique can protect you, in part, against this.

I believe that, having invented the game of 9-ball, the Yanks are currently too arrogant to reach outside their own area in search of ways to improve.

I predict a very strong 9-ball future for Europe.
And victory, of course, in this Mosconi Cup!

The Mosconi Cup – Cue Sport’s Hidden Gem

Tags

9-Ball, Darren Appleton, Earl the Pearl, Golf, Mosconi Cup, Ralf Souquet, Ryder Cup, Snooker

The Mosconi Cup –
Cue Sport’s Hidden Gem

I do not enjoy golf, for me it is a good walk ruined, but even I can freely admit that the Ryder Cup is a phenomenally intense and exhilarating event. The format of the Mosconi Cup is a similar one. For a start it is Europe vs America (and all classic rivalries provide an additional edge in sporting encounters), and secondly, the action is spread over a few days and it naturally, rapidly, builds to a perfect climax.

The Mosconi Cup lasts for four days, and on each day 5 or 6 points are available. Each point is won in a first to 5 frames race. There are doubles, singles, and whole team battles. Each team has a captain who can make tactical selections when the opportunity arises.

The sport is 9-ball – American, pool.
The basic rules of which are simple:
(1) Hit the lowest (numerically numbered) ball first.
(2) Repeat until the 9-ball (numbered ‘9’) is potted.
(3) After contact, a ball must hit a cushion (or pocket).
(4) Fouls result in “ball-in-hand” – place the ball anywhere.

It is reputedly the fastest growing cue sport in the world. At a casual level it is a great leveller, meaning it is easier for a novice to beat an average player than it is, for example, in snooker. At profession level, with huge pockets, and a nap-free cloth, it comes down to pressure – and watching the players handle it is great fun. In a 9-ball environment the players and spectators are a lot more lively than at any other cue-sport I have seen.

I cannot recommend the event, or the sport, highly enough. Even if you’re merely curious or uncertain, give it a go. It is easier to enjoy than you might expect it to be.

A link to coverage via Sky TV’s guide, but not sure how future-proof it’ll be…
http://skyplustv.sky.com/tv-guide#/programme/detail/1322/754

Day one is current going poorly for Europe who are 2-0 down!
They lead both “legs” early on! My nerves are building!
Go #TeamEurope! Go #MosconiCup!