FOLLOWING A 16 year absence from the event, winning 1996 Mosconi Cup player/captain CJ Wiley returns to London this December as skipper of the American team at PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup. The 47 year-old Wiley from Texas was in charge of the side in London in 1996 and had the honour of potting the winning 9 ball in a 15-13 victory.
After a highly decorated spell at the top, including winning the ESPN World Championship, Wiley wound down his career in the 2000's, choosing to focus on a successful business career. He's now back and will be facing one of the toughest challenges of his career as he attempts to rally his side and try and turn their recent Mosconi Cup fortunes around.
"It's an honor to be chosen to represent the USA Team as Captain in 2012," said Wiley.
"I have been honored with the 'Player of the Year' award and won major championships; however being chosen to represent my country and its best players in the Mosconi Cup is something I value as an even greater personal accomplishment.
"I know that the European Team has dominated us over the past 6 years and I know it's going to be especially challenging to go into York Hall in front of a highly enthusiastic home crowd and win the Mosconi Cup.
"This year however, is going to be different. The USA team will be young, ambitious and hungry for this victory. I, as captain will make sure they are all on top of their games both mentally and physically.
"This is more than just a pocket billiards match, this is for patriotic pride. This is for the right to say WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS and take the Mosconi Cup back to America, where it belongs," added an ebullient Wiley.
The PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup takes place from Monday 10th to Thursday 13th December at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London. Tickets are available exclusively from www.seetickets.com
Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport: luke.riches@matchroom.com
Notes: Matchroom Sport are one of the world's leading producers of televised sport and are responsible for over 1,000 hours of original programming across a range of sports. Based in the UK and chaired by charismatic founder Barry Hearn, the Mosconi Cup is one of a stable of pool events that include the World Cup of Pool and the World Pool Masters.