An impressive Team Europe defied a boisterous away crowd to race into a 4-0 lead against Team America in last night’s Sportsbet.io Mosconi Cup opener at Alexandra Palace.
The Europeans dominated the opening team session 5-1, before securing a nervy 5-3 victory in the first doubles match.
Two consecutive 5-2 finishes – in the captains’ singles and second doubles fixtures respectively – rounded out a magical night for Jayson Shaw’s men.
Having been bullish about his side’s chances of retaining the cup in Tuesday’s ill-tempered press conference, Shaw would’ve wanted his side to get off to a fast start.
And it was him who immediately set the tone, when he managed a sublime clearance from his own break-off in the very first frame of the tournament.
Further fine displays from Team Europe, including an Alex Higgins-esque clearance from David Acialde, secured their maiden point of the competition in emphatic fashion.
Following that drubbing Team America briefly looked like they would defy their underdog status and make matters competitive, racing into a two-frame lead in game two.
But a strong safety display by Acialde and debutant Moritz Neuhausen – aided by woeful break-offs from the usually impeccable Feder Gorst and Shane van Boening – helped the Europeans come from behind to prevail in a nervy encounter.
Having seen their heroes surrender a two-frame advantage in that match, the away following became increasingly agitated.
By the time Shaw stepped out to take on Skyler Woodward in the captains’ fixture they were practically rabid, and the Glasgow native was targeted multiple times.
But the fired-up Scotsman kept his nerve to down the subpar US skipper with a dominant potting display, before celebrating in front of his tormentors.
The away crowd’s tactics continued into the final match of the night, with Neuhausen and fellow debutant Pijus Labutis repeated being targeted by block B and a lone heckler in the VIP section.
And at points it looked like those tactics would work, with Neuhausen and Labutis more than once making silly errors to allow Tyler Styer and Billy Thorpe opportunities they shouldn’t have had.
But like Shaw, they maintained their composure – much to the heckler’s dismay – to triumph in a scrappy encounter, and secure Europe’s precious 4-0 lead.
Job done, and with 11 points needed to retain the Mosconi crown last night’s performances could prove to be of critical importance.
The Sportsbet.io Mosconi Cup is taking place at Alexandra Palace from 3-6 December. Catch all the action from day two live on Sky Sports from 6:30pm.
Feature image: James Bools
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