MIKA Immonen has hailed Europe's line-up for the 2009 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup as 'The European Dream Team'.

Europe have won the Europe v USA team competition for the last two years but Immonen believes the current five-man team is the strongest ever.

"All five of us are World Champions and that's a pretty good statement," said Immonen, who won the Most Valuable Player Award in 2008.

"The European standard has been rising over the years and the lines have deepened so that brings the best players out there.

"We've had a lot of consistency and performing outside of Europe as well.

"Europe has proven their dominance and we our World Champions in every pool discipline as the 9-ball, 8-ball, 10-ball and straight pool World Champions are all European.

"I've not won the Mosconi Cup in the US so for me it would be a virgin experience and it would be nice to continue our recent dominance.

"I think we've a pretty good chance of winning and we've got the European Dream Team.

"Me, Ralf Souquet, Niels Feijen and Thorsten Hohmann have been the most solid players in Europe for the recent years so to add Darren Appleton to that completes the circle.

"Darren has proven his consistency and I feel we're a very united team."

Immonen has tasted the highs and lows of the competition as he missed a chance to win the cup for Europe in 2006 before returning two years later as the star of the team.

"Last year was great and it was a landmark moment in my career," added Immonen.

"Coming from the US open then a victory in Japan and capping it off with winning the Mosconi and getting the MVP gave me wings. And for this year I've kept the same momentum going.

"Deep down the Americans are scared but they would never admit they're scared. Actually, I don't know if scared is the right word but they know what their up against.

"But we're trying to not get too cocky. On paper we look good but the Mosconi is a different animal."

COREY Deuel admits Europe are the favourites to win the PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup but believes they may crack under that pressure.

Deuel returns to the American Mosconi side after not being selected last year when USA slumped to an 11-5 defeat in Malta.

Many people believe this is the strongest European side ever and Deuel admits America will have to be at their best to claim victory.

"America, on paper, are the underdogs but I think our team are getting along and if we can gel together we will win," said Deuel. It's Europe's cup to lose but we need to go out there and win it.

"We've won it in the past more times but they have a good team this year.

"There will definitely be pressure on them for sure so how will they cope?

"I love playing in this and the Mosconi Cup is my favourite tournament to play in.

"I get along with all my team and I'm glad to see all the rest of the guys in the team. I respect their games and am looking forward to it."

The American side features Deuel, Johnny Archer, Shane Van Boening, while two men - Oscar Dominguez and Dennis Hatch will be making their debuts.

Dominguez admits he is excited about being part of the action and is confident of being on the successful team.

"It's pretty sweet to be in the Mosconi Cup team," said Dominguez. "To represent your country is a big honour and I'm trying to make the most of it.

"We aren't here on vacation, we're here to work and I think we have an excellent chance of winning.

"On paper, Europe are the favourites but we're not playing on paper.

"At the start of the year it was one of my goals to get into the Mosconi Cup team. I've only been playing pool for seven years so I'm a bit of a late starter but as I did pretty good at Valley Forge and I knew I had a chance of making the Mosconi team.

"You aren't playing for yourselves for once and in every tournament you play it's all about being individual but now you're representing your country and your team mates so everything you work hard for, they will reap the benefits as well.

"We will have no jet lag but when you're flying across the pond then that's tough. I think it's a big advantage that it's our home court. Every mistake the Europeans make you will hear it from the crowd and that makes a big difference."

USA captain Nick Varner has warned his European opponents: We're here to win the cup back.

A presentation evening took place at the Shibuya restaurant at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino ahead of the start of the event on Thursday.

Both captains made speeches, while all players from both sides were announced to a small set of fans, officials and sponsors.

Varner said: "The Mosconi Cup has always been the most exciting event in pool. Team play brings a lot more excitement to the game and with the Mosconi Cup I found that out first hand.

"This year we've got three new players with Oscar Dominguez and Dennis Hatch making their first appearances while we didn't have Corey Deuel last year.

"Then we have Shane Van Boening making his third appearance and then hall of famer Johnny Archer. Barry Hearn has previously said that Johnny is the back bone of the US team.

"I'm really happy with my team and we have a strong team. I would like to thank the promoters, Barry Hearn and his staff, all the sponsors and Sky Sports - we're going to have a ball this week.

"My team has a message for Team Europe. You have the cup, but we want the cup and Team USA is coming to get that cup."

European captain Alex Lely, who guided his side to victory last year, added: "This is the 16th event and I've played in two Mosconi Cups but by best moment was last year even though I never held a cue. It was great to win in Malta but now in Las Vegas we're in the lions' den.

"Europe is gaining momentum and we've not reached maximum speed yet. We have five World Champions and I'm really looking forward to this week.

"We're here to retain the cup and we have the heart, pride and passion to do so. Enjoy the show."
Date posted: December 10, 2009

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