+ STRATEGIES+

BY THE CAPTAIN’S LOG A fi rst-hand perspective from the 2009 .

ALWAYS look forward to the Mosconi Having led team America six times, I the foot rail (the left short rail in the dia- Cup every year. For me, it’s the most can say defi nitely would gram). But if he kicked one rail, it would I exciting event in . I’ve played in put a smile on any captain’s face. His have been near impossible for him to Las Vegas for many years, after all, so it knowledge, experience and winning at- get a shot on the next ball. So instead, should not be such a big surprise. Many titude are incredible assets. And I don’t Oscar played the cue ball off the point times walking in the amateur league know anyone who can bear down harder of the side pocket. By playing this shot, tournament rooms in Las Vegas, I would on an opponent than Johnny. Next up, Oscar had a chance at position on the see a level of enthusiasm that is missing Dennis Hatch. As it turns out, Dennis next ball. Adding to the degree of dif- at a lot of pro events. But the Mosconi brought a level of enthusiasm and ex- fi culty, he had to try and hit the object Cup takes team pool to another level by citement that really was surprising. His ball thinly or the cue ball could double creating a geographic base between Eu- high energy was welcomed by the team kiss the object ball and it wouldn’t fall. rope and the . The addition and fans. His play was incredible and Oscar hit it perfectly, with the cue ball of patriotism adds that heightened level resulted in his receiving the Most Valu- thinly hitting the 2, and he made the of excitement. The U.S. can be a target able Player award from Luke Riches of shot. Everybody in the crowd was buzz- on the list of many countries who’d re- Matchroom Sport. Then we had Corey ing after he made this one. This is a shot ally enjoy knocking America down a peg or two. But this time, Team USA found itself a Diagram 1 big underdog at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They were 2-to-1 underdogs by the odd makers in London. Plus, they had not won the Mosconi Cup outright since 2005. (They tied in 2006 and team Europe knocked off the Americans in 2007 and 2008.) Also, going into De- cember’s event, Team Europe had fi ve world champions on its roster. It might have been their best team of all time. One of the toughest aspects about team pool is that one player can’t win it all — no matter how great he plays. It takes the best performance of all fi ve players versus the other team’s fi ve play- ers. Also, Matchroom Sport changed the format this year, which made it even Deuel, whose knowledge and experience you can add to your game. The object more important for the whole team to are always a big plus. He has been on ball was out a little from the lip of the perform. Every player on the team had Team USA six times and was a winner of side pocket, which made the thin hit to play before a player could play a sec- a critical match, where he made a great crucial. ond time. In other words, all fi ve players shot on the 2 ball in a hill-hill match. The Mosconi Cup is back in America, had to play before someone could get Oscar Dominguez, the fi nal player on compliments of Dennis Hatch, John- back to the table. I like this rule, be- Team USA, was making his debut in the ny Archer, , Oscar cause it makes the performance of every Mosconi Cup. He played great and was Dominguez and . Our Team player truly count. always eager to play as soon as possible. USA came together, stayed together and At our fi rst players’ meeting in Las He brought a lot of youthful excitement, ended up successful. Even on the fi nal Vegas, Shane Van Boening might have fresh ideas and an intense competitive day, as Team Europe tried to mount a summed it up best: “This is my third spirit to the team. And he probably made comeback, the team remained focused year on the team. I lost the fi rst two the best shot in the tournament, shown and closed the door. The team stayed years, and I would like to see how it in Diagram 1. positive and didn’t let bad shots or lost feels to win one.” Shane certainly found Oscar was hooked and had to pock- matches interfere with their play. Men- out, as he was the player who pocketed et the 2 ball in the side. Most players tally, they stayed strong all four days the winning ball. thought he would kick the cue ball off against a tough European team.

24 BILLIARDS DIGEST February 2010

Feb10 Varner.indd 24 1/20/10 2:03:19 PM