It’s USA v Austria for the big one
IT WILL BE USA v AUSTRIA who contest the final of the 2017 12BET World Cup of Pool as they both scored surprisingly straightforward wins against top opposition inside a sweltering York Hall on Sunday afternoon.
With a $60,000 prize awaiting the champions and it will be Austria’s first final in the event’s 12-year history. The USA on the other hand have reached the final twice, losing to the Philippines in the event’s inaugural year – 2006 – and then winning two years later in Rotterdam with Shane Van Boening and Rodney Morris making up the victorious team.
It was Van Boening accompanied by Skyler Woodward who flew the flag this year and they took hold of the semi-final match against defending champions Chinese Taipei and never really looked back.
The Taiwanese had lead 2-1 but then the US axis reeled off four straight racks to create some space and it was a gap the Asians could never close.
Commented a delighted Van Boening, “Oh man, I am very happy to be in the final – specially to win against the number one seed is just unreal. I am proud of Skyler
“The biggest save we had was that they weren’t breaking very well – they had two foul breaks.”
Featuring 32 two-man teams from around the globe, the 12BET World Cup of Pool is into its 11th year as reigning champions Chinese Taipei attempt to become the first team ever to successfully defend the title in the $250,000 event.
Despite having team containing reigning World 9 Ball Champion Albin Ouschan and current European No.2 Mario He, Austria were a big underdog against the Chinese pair of Wu Jiaqing and Dang Jinhu, who had looked unstoppable throughout.
It didn’t pan out that way as the European pair dominated throughout as they romped home 9-1 winners to book a final berth against the USA.
“We are much happier with our performance today than we were yesterday,” said Ouschan.
“We only changed our shirts! We were a little bit more relaxed, played a little bit faster, didn’t talk much with each other and just played our own game. We had fun and stayed cool and calm.
“Last year when we lost to Chinese Taipei in the quarter-finals, I said to Mario that this year we would win it.
Play continues on Sunday evening with the finals:
6.30
USA v Austria
Broadcast for six days live on Sky Sports in the UK; the tournament is available live in over 100 countries around the world. A comprehensive list of countries and networks broadcasting the World Cup of Pool can be found here: http://www.matchroompool.com/world-cup-of-pool/#watchlive
The 12BET World Cup of Pool will carry a $250,000 prize fund including $60,000 for the champions. The event will be produced by Matchroom Sport Television and televised live on Sky Sports as well as other stations around the world.
12BET World Cup of Pool Tickets are on sale now at www.matchroompool.com priced at just £10.00 per evening session (Tuesday to Sunday) and £8.00 per weekend afternoon session. Tuesday to Friday afternoons are free. A season ticket covering all sessions is priced at £60.00.
2017 12BET World Cup of Pool is sponsored by Rasson Billiards who supplies the Official Table; the cloth is supplied by Iwan Simonis and the Official Balls are Super Aramith by Saluc. Predator is the Official Cue and Chalk of the event.
Luke Riches, Matchroom Sport: [email protected]
Notes: MATCHROOM SPORT is one of the world’s leading producers of televised sport and is 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, they operate three pool events; the Mosconi Cup, the World Cup of Pool and the World Pool Masters. In addition, the company produce a multitude of events in darts, snooker, tenpin, golf, fishing, ping pong, gymnastics, netball, basketball and boxing.
12BET is a global betting and gaming brand committed to offering its members a first class experience every time they visit the site. 12BET have sponsored several high-profile football teams having done deals with Sevilla FC, Wigan Athletic and Hull City FC. They have also had associations with Crystal Palace, West Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United and Birmingham City FC. 12BET sponsorships have gone beyond football with 12BET sponsoring the UK Championships and World Open in snooker and the English Badminton Championships.