World Nineball Tour number one Francisco Sanchez Ruiz has sealed the first automatic spot from the World Nineball Tour Rankings for Team Europe’s 2023 Mosconi Cup side ahead of the trans-atlantic tussle with the USA from December 6-9 at Alexandra Palace, London live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.
Sanchez Ruiz has taken the World Nineball Tour by storm over the last 12 months, accumulating $60,000 WNT ranking points with the World Pool Championship crown back in February to amass an early lead on his closest rivals. The Spaniard headed into this week’s European Open Pool Championship in Fulda, Germany already assured of his spot with an advantage of $30,700 over closest rival Eklent Kaçi.
The European Open Pool Championship marks the first cut-off point for the first automatic selections for the 30th Anniversary Mosconi Cup, with further qualification announcements to follow at the US Open Pool Championship and Asian Open Pool Championship respectively.
On confirmation of his place in Pool’s most historic event, the current US Open champion couldn’t hide his excitement:
“FSR” Francisco Sanchez Ruiz｜©Taka G Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
“I feel unbelievable. Last year I experienced my dream – to play at least once in the Mosconi Cup. It was the best experience of my life. I never expected anything because I had never been to the Mosconi Cup. When I entered the arena, I can’t explain what I felt – so much pressure!
“The crowd was amazing. I think the Mosconi Cup is the best tournament in the world.
“The crowd makes the difference. It is unbelievable to play in front of 3,000 people, especially when you play for your team. I think I brought 25 people to Las Vegas. This year it will be at least double! I’m in the team early so I can figure out how to bring people to London! I’m really excited.
“The pressure is going to be different. I remember the first shot I played last year, I scratched! I can feel the pressure. This year is going to be different but I will enjoy every single moment there.
“The Mosconi Cup is the goal for everyone. When I started playing in January, I was thinking about the Mosconi. It’s special because you work so hard to maintain form to stay in the team. The end of this season is going to be tough. We have a busy schedule and I will be working hard to make sure I can show my best for my team in December.”
Fans can expect to hear further announcements for the 30th Anniversary Mosconi Cup over the next week at the European Open Pool Championship, where Team USA’s first member will be decided.
Limited tickets are still available each day, starting from £50, with VIP Hospitality also available at Alexandra Palace. Full ticketing information is available here.
Make sure you stay tuned to the Matchroom Pool social pages to get the latest news as Mosconi Cup news drops. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest.