It is fair to say that since its inception in 1994, the United States have made the Mosconi Cup their own, having won five times out of six attempts. Despite coming close most years, the Europeans' sole success was in 1995 in Basildon. However, there is a belief amongst the European players that 2000 will be their year and that the team, including two debutantes, is the strongest one yet.

The home team are captained by former World Champion Ralf Souquet, the most successful European Mosconi Cup player of all time. He will be backed by World Championship quarter-finalist Steve Davis, playing in his seventh Mosconi Cup.

Flying Finn Mika Immonen and Londoner Steve Knight, who has a seven wins from ten games record in the event, are also in the team. Making their European debuts are top German Thomas Engert and diminutive Swede Marcus Chamat, who over the last two years has come from nowhere to become one of the top players in Europe.

Commented Steve Davis, "Let's face it, the American domination of the Mosconi Cup is becoming a bit tiresome so we are all really hoping that this will be the year that we turn back the star-spangled tied. We've got two changes from last year's team and I hope that Thomas and Marcus can hold their nerve when they first walk into that arena. I've played in front of some big crowds before but nothing can beat a pumped-up York Hall mob."

The American team sees two changes to the side that won last year. Out go veterans Jim Rempe and Kim Davenport to be replaced by World Championship semi-finalist, 23 year-old Corey Deuel and Shannon 'the Cannon' Daulton, who made his Mosconi Cup debut in 1996. Johnny 'the Scorpion' Archer, who shot the winning ball last December is back for his fourth Mosconi.

Last year's American rookies who acquitted themselves so well, are back. 25 year-old Mike Coltrain and Jeremy 'Double J' Jones, 27, who didn't seem to miss a ball in '99, will be looking for a further taste of glory.

Captaining the US team is the ever-magnificent Earl ' the Pearl' Strickland. Despite being at the top of the tree for the best part of 20 years, Earl's powers show no signs of abating. Whether he can carry the additional responsibility of captaincy, only time will tell.

Once again, tickets for the event are free and available from the York Hall or Matchroom Sport

For further information contact: LUKE RICHES - 01708 782212 / 0385 395688
luke.riches@matchroom.com

The European Players

Steve Davis - England
Nickname:     Romford Slim
Date of birth: 22 August 1957 - Age 43
Home:           Brentwood, Essex, England
Mosconi Cup Record: P30 W12 L18 40%

Ralf Souquet - Germany
Nickname:     The Kaiser
Date of birth:  29 November 1968 - Age 32
Home:            Manching, Germany
Mosconi Cup Record: P24 W15 L9 63%

Thomas Engert - Germany
Nickname:     Smiler
Date of birth:  23rd October 1965 - Age 35
Home:            Duren, Germany
Mosconi Cup Record: Debutante

Steve Knight - England
Nickname:     The Rider
Date of birth:  12th July 1973 - Age 27
Home:            London, England
Mosconi Cup Record: P10 W7 L3 70%

Mika Immonen - Finland
Nickname:      The Flying Finn
Date of birth:   17th December 1972 - Age 28
Home:             Helsinki, Finland
Mosconi Cup Record: P20 W10 L10 50%

Marcus Chamat - Sweden
Nickname:      The Swede
Date of birth:  6th May 1975 - Age 25
Home:            Borlange, Sweden
Mosconi Cup Record: Debutant

The American Players

Shannon Daulton
Nickname:      The Cannon
Date of birth:  5 April 1972 - Age 28
Home:            Burnside, Kentucky
Mosconi Cup Record: P5 W4 L1 80%

Earl Strickland
Nickname:      The Pearl
Date of birth:  8th June 1961 - Age 39
Home:             Greensboro, North Carolina
Mosconi Cup Record: P19 W12 L7 63%

Johnny Archer
Nickname:       The Scorpion
Date of birth:   12th November 1968 - Age 32
Home:              Atlanta, Georgia
Mosconi Cup Record: P16 W10 L6 63%

Corey Deuel
Nickname:      The Prince of Pool
Date of birth:   20th November 1977 - Age 23
Home:             Columbus, Ohio
Mosconi Cup Record: Debutante

Jeremy Jones
Nickname:       Double J
Date of birth:   30th April 1971 - Age 29
Home:             Jacksonville, Florida
Mosconi Cup Record: P5 W4 L1 80%

Mike Coltrain
Nickname:      The Train
Date of birth:   5th October 1975 - Age 25
Home:             Raleigh, North Carolina
Mosconi Cup Record: P5 W2 L3 40%