This year's Mosconi Cup goes to ... Team Europe. For the third year in a row, Europe has won the event defeating the USA 11-9.
Europe was up early in the tournament, scoring a 9-6 lead on Wednesday, but the Americans fought back to tie it all up with three consecutive wins during early play on the final day. Dennis Hatch
started the final day with a 5-3 win over Nikos Ekonomopoulos. Johnny Archer followed up the early attack for the Americans decisively defeating Niels Feijen by a score of 5-1. Shane Van Boening kept the magic coming by defeating Darren Appleton 5-1 as well.
Then, the Europeans fought back. Chris Melling, who was voted the tournament's MVP, came from being down 2-1 to beat Brandon Shuff 5-2 and the momentum shifted. The excitement grew as Europe was one point away from their third consecutive title. Nick Van Dan Berg finished off the Americans with an exciting match against Mike Dechaine 5-2.
“That was by far the most thrilling Mosconi Cup win of all,” said a jubilant captain Johan Ruijsink.
"The Americans pulled out their real big guns today and they came back at us with all their power. But I'm so glad we've pulled through in the end. I'm over the moon." he added.
Van Den Berg added: "During the whole match I think my heartbeat was like 220 beats per minute. The nine ball wobbled and then fell in...it must be the most exciting match of my life."
