Enthralling contest looms as Europe, US renew rivalry

Thrilled by the prospect of lifting the Mosconi Cup in front of his adoring fans, Tony Drago is determined to replicate his match-winning exploits for Team Europe in last year's event but the United States are also deadset on reasserting their supremacy in this annual contest.

The 15th Mosconi Cup, nine-ball's version of golf's Ryder Cup, kicks off tonight at the Hilton Hotel St Julian's and judging by the comments of the two non-playing captains and other key players, those attending any or all sessions of this four-day tournament are in for a treat.

Sitting behind a long table at the final media briefing before tonight's start, the players of both teams were in bullish mood.

"I'm very honoured to be the captain of Team Europe," Dutchman Alex Lely said.

"The guys in my team look in great form and the atmosphere is very good. We're here to defend the title we won last year and we'll do our best to perform and retain the cup. I'm confident that my team will get the job done in the next four days."

"I can't wait for the tournament to start," Nick Varner, the captain of Team US, told those present.

"The venue is great and the Mosconi Cup is my favourite competition because there's so much excitement surrounding it.

"I'm excited to be invited back to captain the US team. My players have won many big tournaments this year and they've got great confidence. I know we're going to face a hard time but I hope we'll have a good time this week in Malta."

Matchroom Sport's decision to accept Snooker Promotions' bid to host the Mosconi Cup in Malta delighted local snooker and pool fans, especially those who, for many years, have been keeping tabs on the fortunes of Drago.

Drago spent the best years of his career mixing it with the crème de la crème of snooker, in the process earning a reputation as one of the world's most talented and entertaining cueists.

Now 43, the Tornado has already cemented his place as one of the leading players in pool, having announced himself to the world of 9-ball with a stunning run on his Mosconi Cup debut last year.

"Snooker and pool are quite similar but I enjoy the atmosphere in pool events better," Drago said.

"Even in big tournaments, the atmosphere is more relaxing but the Mosconi Cup is different.

"This is the biggest tournament in the world and I'm looking forward to it. Let's rock and roll."

At the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas last year, Team Europe overcame an early deficit to defeat the US 11-8 with Drago winning four of his five singles matches and picking up the Most Valuable Player award.

Earl Strickland, nicknamed The Pearl, summed up the mood among the US team to make amends for last year's home upset.

"We never like to lose," Strickland, a veteran of 12 Mosconi Cup appearances, said.

"A few things happened last year which surprised us. They (Europe) have a good team this year but we'll have to redeem ourselves.

"I'm very confident and I feel healthy for the first time in many years. I will tell you one thing... if these guys had to play me individually, they'd lose."

Strickland's statement drew a prompt, firm reply from Drago.

"Earl is a genius and he's capable of beating us any time but we also know that anyone of us can beat him any time," he said.

"If I can play like I did last year, I know where the cup is going to."

Richard Balani, on behalf of Snooker Promotions, is hopeful that the Mosconi Cup will enthrall local fans.

"Nine-ball is not a mainstream game here but many of us watched TV coverage of last year's Mosconi Cup and have fond memories of Drago's exploits," Balani said.

"Drago has already established himself as one of pool's leading exponents.

"Overseas fans account for 90 per cent of the ticket sales this year so far but we know that Maltese like to leave it late to book. The Mosconi Cup is a unique event with a unique atmosphere."

Luke Riches, the media director at Matchroom Sport, said: "We're pleased to bring the Mosconi Cup to Malta. Team Europe will surely do their best to hang on to the trophy but Team US are also raring to go."

Apart from the non-playing captains, each team is made up of five players. Flying Europe's flag are Ralf Souquet (Germany), Mark Gray (England), Mika Immonen (Finland), Niels Feijen (Holland) and Drago (Malta).

Team US is composed of Strickland, Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, Jeremy Jones and Shane Van Boening.

Sponsored by PartyPoker.com, the Mosconi Cup XV gets underway tonight at 8 with the opening Team match. The format of the tournament also includes singles and doubles . The Mosconi Cup is played out over 21 matches and the first team totaling 11 points will be declared winners.

Since the first edition in 1994, the US have won the Mosconi Cup 11 times to Europe's three titles.