Johan Ruijsink will coach Team USA for a third time at this year’s partypoker Mosconi Cup and will have Shane van Boening and Skyler Woodward on his team at Mandalay Bay Resort, Las Vegas this November 25-28.
Ruijsink guided USA to their 12th partypoker Mosconi Cup title and first in nine years when they shocked Team Europe with an 11-9 success at Alexandra Palace, London last December. Woodward collected the MVP award, while it was Van Boening who made the winning 9-ball for a famous victory.
Left to right: Van Boening, Ruijsink, Matchroom Multi Sport COO Emily Frazer and Woodward
Both players will return to the team in 2019 and will be joined by three further players to be selected by Ruijsink. As in 2018, Coach Ruijsink will run a series of training camps for players under consideration for selection, before choosing his final squad in the autumn.
“I am really happy that Matchroom decided to hire me again for this year’s Mosconi Cup,” said Ruijsink, who will have Jeremy Jones as his Vice Coach for a second time at this year’s Cup.
“Jeremy and I decided that last year’s team was really tight, put in a good performance so we thought that most players should be in and the two grand masters of last year’s Mosconi Cup we decided to give a spot for this year, so Shane and Skyler will definitely be in the team for the Mosconi Cup 2019.
“It is always difficult to find the best-case scenario. I do think the Europeans will be warned by last year and will be ready. Filler, who didn’t make the team, two weeks later become World Champion so they will have a strong team again, probably better, so we need to be better. Our programme will be quite intensive to make sure we are ready for this year. We will definitely need the supporters from America and we count on them to be there and cheer us on.”
Van Boening, who will play his 13th partypoker Mosconi Cup this year, added: “I work hard every year and I am pleased that I will play the Mosconi Cup again this year. Making the winning shot last year is a moment that will be top for a long time, for my whole career. It was a tremendous amount of pressure and making the last shot is a great feeling to remember.”
Woodward, the 2018 MVP, said: “Being picked for the Mosconi Cup is unbelievable, it is what every pool player wants to play in. There is no atmosphere like it, it is crazy.”
Tickets for the 2019 partypoker Mosconi Cup are available now at www.mosconicup.com. Prices start at $48 per session with season tickets at $161 silver. Gold seating is now sold out. VIP Platinum packages are available priced $225 per day or $950 for all four days and include a breakfast buffet, unlimited drinks, VIP seating in the front three rows and much more.