9-Ball
Team Europe triumphed at the 2024 BetOnline Mosconi Cup, defeating Team USA 11-6 to claim their fifth consecutive title. Held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, this historic victory cemented Europe’s dominance in the transatlantic rivalry and provided a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 World Nineball Tour.
OVERALL SCORE: TEAM USA 6-11 TEAM EUROPE
- Match One: Skyler Woodward 0-5 Jayson Shaw
- Match Two: Fedor Gorst 5-4 Mickey Krause
- Match Three: Skyler Woodward 4-5 Francisco Sanchez Ruiz
Day Four opened with a high-stakes showdown between the captains, Jayson Shaw and Skyler Woodward. Shaw capitalised on multiple errors from Woodward, including scratches and a dry break, to deliver a clinical 5–0 whitewash. This commanding win brought Europe within a single point of the championship.
In the second match, reigning World Champion Fedor Gorst sought to keep Team USA’s hopes alive against European Open champion Mickey Krause. Gorst surged ahead, winning the first three racks with precision clearances. Krause rallied in impressive fashion, showcasing skill and resilience to draw level at hill-hill. In the decisive rack, Krause’s foul on the 5-ball handed Gorst the opportunity to clear the table, securing a hard-fought win for Team USA.
The final match of the day saw Skyler Woodward return to face Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Despite a strong start from Woodward, Ruiz’s sharp play, including a brilliant 3–9 combo and a break-and-run, turned the match into a thrilling contest. With the Mosconi Cup on the line, Ruiz remained composed in the hill-hill decider, delivering another flawless break-and-run to pot the winning 9-ball and seal Europe’s victory.
2024 saw Jayson Shaw etch his name further into the history books. Not only did he secure his seventh Mosconi Cup title and his third MVP award, but he also became the first player ever to be crowned MVP as a playing captain.
Reflecting on the achievement, Shaw remarked: “It has been a lot more work this year, but I’m so proud of the boys. It’s been a pleasure to have them on my team, and I cannot wait till next year.”
Team Europe’s emphatic performance not only reinforced their dominance in Nineball but also marked a powerful rebound after their close defeat at the inaugural Reyes Cup. With this victory, Europe adds another illustrious chapter to the Mosconi Cup’s storied history, leaving fans eager to see what the next edition will bring.
Nineball fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming year, with the 2025 World Nineball Tour set to be the biggest yet, with exciting announcements on the horizon. Be sure to follow Matchroom Pool’s social media channels for the latest updates and news.
All Pictures and Text from matchroompool.com
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