Less than 12 hours remain until the 2022 Mosconi Cup, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, DAZN in the United States, Canada, Italy, and Spain, Viaplay in Scandinavia, the Baltics, and Poland, and networks worldwide. The United States and Europe squared off at the press conference.
In front of tomorrow’s inaugural team match at 11 a.m. local time, USA captain Jeremy Jones gave the home audience a rousing preview of what to expect from his squad. Even if I’m losing my mind, I wouldn’t change a thing. These last four days have been fantastic for the lads, and they continue to get better each day. This building has the strongest underpinnings I’ve ever experienced. These two teams work nicely together in doubles. Each one of them has regard for the other. Everyone is responsible for their actions, and they know it. Our focus is singular.
This week, two-time Most Valuable Player Skyler Woodward will serve as playing vice-captain with Jones, and Jones is counting on Woodward’s leadership and experience to help lead the team to victory. Some people just have that “it clicks” factor in their heads. It would be foolish not to probe Skyler Woodward for his thoughts. The support of the home audience is important to them. Therefore, they will take advantage of it. Not everything will go smoothly. We’re lucky to have 1,500 out of 2,500 people backing us up. I don’t think challenges are much higher in Las Vegas than in London. We’ve had one goal in mind all season long: to come here and take home the cup.
Last year we were in a very good position, but we blew it by letting certain items through the cracks. We want to repeat a similar situation this year, but with a more favorable conclusion. We’ve been running the latency, so now we know how to do it as a team. “The gap doesn’t seem as significant this year, but it’s still critical, and we’ve taken steps to fix it,” Jones said.
The role of vice-captain is an honor, Woodward remarked. This motivates me to do my best and demonstrate that the United States is still a global power. There are six of us on the squad, and I’m simply trying to make us all feel like a single unit. I’m not the kind to stand by and watch others fail; instead, I’ll encourage and motivate everyone to achieve victory in their contests.
Alex Lely, who is leading Squad Europe for a third consecutive year, has said, “Any coach on either side will give 100% based on the team and the set of players you have to concentrate on various areas.” It’s great fun to work with all five of them, but you need to find a method to get them to get along and form a cohesive unit. Among us are a few seasoned pros who have seen it all. In my third year, I may return to some of the same methods I used in my second. A strong support system exists within the group.
We’ve had a polished squad from the start. The bad news is that they’ve been playing and traveling a lot, but the good news is that they’re very knowledgeable. This jacket has tight pockets. As far as I can tell, it aids them. If your financial situation is precarious, you must pay close attention to the game. Because of it, I believe they have a more polished and concentrated appearance.
It’s hard to believe that this is Francisco Sanchez Ruiz’s first Mosconi Cup, but he’s having a career year that includes a US Open title. In all honesty, I plan to spare no effort. It’s been a fantastic year, but I’ll admit that I’ve been looking forward exclusively to the day after. It’s incredible to share the field with David Alcaide; our time spent playing together will be unforgettable.
The rivalry between American icon Earl Strickland and Team Europe playing vice-captain Jayson Shaw was front and center, as the two men sparred over several issues. When asked what he liked most about the competition, Strickland praised the equipment, praising the narrower 4-inch pockets. It’s the toughest thing I’ve ever encountered. Team Europe are foolish if they believe they can make every shot.
Shaw chimed in, saying his team always scores, but Strickland quickly shot back that he wasn’t interested in the British player’s “bullsh*t.” I wouldn’t be surprised if he won four or five world titles on 5-inch pockets. He is free to express his opinions. I’m familiar with the backroom’s cash flow situation. I’m well aware of how well-organized they are, but the truth is, our aim is more precise than that of any of them. There’s also the undeniable reality that when pressured, we perform better. We will not be cowering in fear when we put ourselves in harm’s way.
More information on the squads of both teams will be released tomorrow in anticipation of the first day of play.
