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Photo credit: JP Parmentier/Matchroom Multi Sport​

Jayson Shaw will make his fifth consecutive appearance on Team Europe at this year’s Mosconi Cup after being selected as captain Alex Lely’s first wildcard pick for pool’s showcase event, which will take place at Alexandra Palace, London, this December 1-4.

Shaw joins automatic qualifier Fedor Gorst on the team, with Lely and vice-captain Karl Boyes to select three further wildcards over the coming weeks.

The former U.S. Open champion Shaw made his  Mosconi Cup debut in 2016 and made the winning 9-ball in front of a raucous “Ally Pally” crowd that year. Shaw was again a key contributor as Europe retained the Cup in 2017 and has become a senior member of the team despite defeats to Team USA in 2018 and 2019.

“I am delighted to be back on the team,” said Shaw.

“It is what everybody plays for all season, to try and play in the Mosconi Cup, and I feel honored to be back on the team. I am praying now I am in that everything goes smoothly, and we can get back to a bit of normality for everyone. Then we can do what we do best, which is playing pool, and get out there and enjoy it.

“This will be my fifth time, so I have a lot of experience on the team. I know what is going on, I know how to try and push the players up and make sure everybody is ok. I think this year with the four wildcards it is going to be a little bit different for Team Europe. Not saying we weren’t strong in the last couple of years, but I think with the wildcard picks for the captains it is going to be much stronger than it has been.

“Since the lockdown, I let it go for the first couple of months, but the last month and a half I have been really finding it difficult. Finding stuff to do all of the time is hard work, but I’m trying to play as much golf as I can just to keep that competitive style going. I’m practicing at home every night, but I need something else for that feeling of competing in something.”

“He shoots amazingly good pool, he is a team player, he is a champion, and in particular, he is a player who is growing into a leadership role,” added captain Lely. “With the years, he is an experienced Mosconi Cup player and with that experience, away from the table he we will have a big role to play as well to carry the team and to carry the ambiance in the team.”

According to Matchroom, they are still hopeful and determined the Mosconi Cup will take place this year.  They are in discussions with the relevant organizations and personnel to stay up to date. Matchroom indicated their highest priority is the safety of everyone connected with the event, and that they are working hard to explore every avenue to make the event happen.​

Visit http://www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup/ for more info.

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