Earl beats Drago 5-4 in war of nerves

Earl Strickland won a massive point for the US last night when he beat the luckless Tony Drago 5-4 in a war of nerves that eventually went the North Carolina player's way.

This was arguably the best match of the tournament. With two more days of competition still to play, the fans are now expecting more of the same exciting fare as the US are desperately seeking to regain the title they lost last year in Las Vegas.

"Pool is a tough sport, I was fortunate to win that game but I played well," Strickland, who has won more matches in the Mosconi Cup than any other player, was quoted as saying.

"I can play as fast as I can and I've always been the fastest player on Earth. Don't think I can't play as fast as Drago... these guys (Europe) had better not celebrate yet."

Before the match, Strickland complained about the size of the pockets and was also engaged in a squabble with a member of the audience but Drago held composure and blasted his way to a 4-1 lead in a matter of minutes.

Strickland lived up to his reputation though and never lost hope. After profiting from a rare Drago error in the seventh rack, the 'Pearl' drew level, emerging on top following a series of safety shots.

Luck deserted Drago in the decisive ninth rack when he scratched off the break.

Earl played confidently and went on to sink the 9-ball to win a thrilling match that was fast slipping from his grasp. Had he lost, Europe would have opened a 5-1 lead at that point, giving the holders a psychological edge at such a crucial phase of the competition.

"I started off well then let things slip a bit but he got the lead and then some bad breaks. I played well on the home stretch and that's what you have to do," Strickland said.

"I want everyone to play well and to enjoy it. I know I'm an animated person and maybe I can make people not like me but that's just the way I am."