Photo credit: JP Parmentier/Matchroom Multi Sport
Joshua Filler will make his third appearance for Team Europe at the 2020 Mosconi Cup, having been selected as Captain Alex Lely’s second wildcard pick.
Filler became the youngest Mosconi Cup champion ever in 2017, at the age of just 19, when he took home the MVP title in his rookie appearance that year. He returned to Team Europe in Las Vegas last year but, despite an impressive individual showing, was on the losing team as Team USA successfully defended their title.
Despite the setback, the 2018 World Champion and reigning US Open Champion is determined to help Europe reclaim the Cup this year. He joins Fedor Gorst and Jayson Shaw on the team, with two further captain’s wildcard picks to be announced in September.
“It is amazing, just from thinking about it, I have goosebumps everywhere,” said Filler of his selection. “I am so glad that Alex picked me and I am back on the team.
“When I reflect on last year, I think in the singles we did pretty well, but in the doubles we messed up. I think we have to practice on the doubles, and if we can fix that, we will be the favorites again.
“When I played Shane Van Boening, it was amazing. He missed easy balls and I took my chances and I beat him twice; 5-0 and 5-1. They were big moments for me, and that was the big highlight from last year’s Cup.
“When I lost to Skyler, he played amazing and didn’t make any mistakes. I was crying in the arena, because I was so disappointed to lose. But I am so happy to be back and helping the team out and I hope we can get the Cup back.
“We have lost the last two years now. It is a dream for a European player to be on the team and winning with all of the people there.”
Captain Lely added: “He has energy, confidence, charisma and a no-miss attitude. As far as I am concerned, it would be very difficult to imagine a Mosconi Cup team without this guy.
“Joshua wears his heart on his sleeve. He is a bundle of energy and he brings the game to his opponent and in this case, to Team USA. He is 22-years-young, he is so smart and has already gained so much knowledge from his previous two Mosconi Cups, and we are more than happy to have him on board.”
The 2020 Mosconi Cup is set to take place at Alexandra Palace, London from December 1-4, live on Sky Sports and DAZN.
According to Matchroom, they are still hopeful and determined the Mosconi Cup will take place this year. They’re 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.