Drago to lead Europe's title defence in Malta

Tony Drago will lead Europe's push for a successful defence of the Mosconi Cup when the popular nine-ball pool tournament is held at the Hilton Conference Centre between December 11 and 14.

Maltese interest in the Mosconi Cup has increased significantly since Drago turned in an exceptional performance to inspire Europe to an exciting 11-8 victory over the United States in Las Vegas last year.

At the end of the tournament, Drago received the Most Valuable Player award for his remarkable display that earned Europe only their third success in the competition.

Richard Balani, Snooker Promotions Director, told a news conference yesterday that his company were delighted to have secured the right to host this prestigious event in Malta this year, adding that he was confident the Mosconi Cup will enjoy the same level of success as the many WSA snooker competitions staged here in the past.

"I am sure Snooker Promotions' success story in organising international events here was instrumental in convincing Matchroom Sport to consider Malta's bid to host the Mosconi Cup," Balani said.

"For the 2008 Malta Cup, 72 per cent of the spectators at the Hilton Portomaso came from overseas. Although we don't expect to match those attendance figures for this year's Mosconi Cup, we are confident of attracting pool fans from all over the world.

"Considering that the tournament will enjoy worldwide television exposure, then we have good reason to believe that the 2008 Mosconi Cup will be a success, even if the sport is relatively new to Maltese fans.

"We are all delighted about the success achieved by Drago, first in snooker and now in pool, and I am sure many people will want to learn more about the Mosconi Cup."

Balani said that Snooker Promotions will again team up with Fraser Eagle Allevents to offer simple online booking facilities for all those pool fans who wish to attend the Mosconi Cup. All the necessary information can be found on www.alleventsmalta.com.

Styled on golf's highly popular Ryder Cup, the Mosconi Cup, named after one of the sport's all-time greats, Willie Mosconi, involves a series of singles and doubles matches played over four days.

Two five-man teams representing the United States and Europe will go head to head in what has evolved into pool's biggest test of nerves and character. Since its inception in 1994, the Americans have dominated the event with 11 victories from 14 editions.

Skysports will again screen the event live in the UK while the highlight packages will be broadcast in a host of stations around the world, including Fox Net in the US.

Drago, 42, sealed his spot on the European team earlier this year after his victories in the Paris Open and the Predator International 10 ball Championship in Las Vegas.

"The Mosconi Cup has developed into a major sporting event and I'm very pleased to have the opportunity of staging the event in Malta," Barry Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, told yesterday's news conference.

"Drago's exploits in last year's competition played a significant role in bringing the tournament here as the Maltese player has become one of the five best pool players in the world.

"The Mosconi Cup is a team game though and the spirit in the respective camps will play a decisive part in determining the destination of the trophy. It will be interesting to see if Europe can upstage the Americans again this year."

Also present for yesterday's launch at the Hilton was US Ambassador for Malta Molly Bordonaro who congratulated the organisers for bringing the Mosconi Cup to Malta.

"Over the next two weeks in Beijing, sports will help to bring people together in the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence," she said.

"The same will be true when Team America and Team Europe come to Malta for the Mosconi Cup later this year . I have no doubt that the Maltese fans will be treated to a great exhibition of pool."