9-Ball
AFTER CONSULTATION with both team captains, the rules and conditions governing the break shot at the 2013 PartyPoker.netMosconi Cup are set to change with the introduction of a narrow break box.
Previously, the event employed the 'three point rule' whereby for a break shot to be deemed legal, three balls had to either be pocketed or pass the head string or a combination thereof. The penalty for an 'illegal break' was loss of table.
That rule has now been dispensed with and at the 2013PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup all players will be taking their break shot within a marked area measuring 4.25 inches (11cm) and extending from the centre of head string to the short rail. The balls will be racked with the 9 ball on the spot and players will be asked to do their best.
"This is great for the Mosconi Cup and we're looking forward to December and the chance to make our break shots really count! Looking at the team, I think you'd be hard pushed to find many better breakers in pool than Shane, Earl, Dennis and Rodney," said Johnny Archer.
With the three point rule employed on the Eurotour, the previous break conditions were something that most of the European side were very familiar with.
"I am all for the big break. It's different from previous years but my team will relish the opportunity to perfect these new conditions. We will break hard and I'm sure it will be good for the event," said European captain Johan Ruijsink.
The PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup takes place at the Mirage Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas from Monday 2nd to Thursday 5th December and features two five-man teams representing the USA and Europe.
The Europeans are the defending champions, having won 11-9 in London last December, their fifth win in six years.
Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com (Search 'Mosconi Cup') or directly from the Mirage on (+1) 702 792 7777 or 1-800-963-9634.
The 2013 Mosconi Cup is delighted to work with our valued suppliers -Diamond Billiards: Tables; Iwan Simonis: Official Cloth; Aramith: Official Balls and Predator: Official Cue.
Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport: luke.riches@matchroom.com
Notes: Matchroom Sport are one of the world's leading producers of televised sport and are responsible for over 1,000 hours of original programming across a range of sports. Based in the UK and chaired by charismatic founder Barry Hearn, the Mosconi Cup is one of a stable of pool events that include the World Pool Masters and the World Cup of Pool.