WITH THE 2017 MOSCONI CUP now less than four months away, American Team captain Johan Ruijsink has been holding his first training camp for possible team members at Griff’s Billiards in Las Vegas.
Taking place from 12th to 16th August, it is the Dutchman’s first opportunity to take a close look at some of the players who may make up the final five to contest the 24th annual Mosconi Cup at the Mandalay Bay from 4th to 7th December.
The players working out this week are Shane Van Boening, Oscar Dominquez, Billy Thorpe, Skylar Woodward, Dennis Hatch with Johnny Archer, fulfilling the role of Ruijsink’s vice-captain.
With the selection procedure this year entirely down to the captain, providing at least four of the five players selected are in the top ten of the rankings which conclude in early September.
“This December is going to be a massive job for the American team and I want to give ourselves every possible chance to win the Mosconi Cup. I’m looking at every player closely as the make-up of the team and their ability to gel will be of critical importance.
“The line-up for 2017 is not determined yet, but I need to start the preparation, because an enormous task awaits team USA,” he concluded.
Ranking after 10 events
1 Shane VAN BOENING 230
2 Dennis HATCH 145
3 Skyler WOODWARD 109
4 Oscar DOMINGUEZ 84
5 Rodney MORRIS 78
6 Billy THORPE 74
7 Hunter LOMBARDO 59
8 Corey DEUEL 56
9 Donny MILLS 48
T10 Josh ROBERTS 45
T10 Brandon SHUFF 45
12 Johnny ARCHER 43
13 Shaun WILKIE 40
14 Justin BERGMAN 39
15 Earl STRICKLAND 30
For full rankings to www.matchroompool.com/mosconi-cup
