US Open Champion Darren Appleton
FOLLOWING ON from his superb victory at the US Open at the weekend, England's Darren Appleton is the third player named for the European PartyCasino.com Mosconi Cup side. He joins close friend Karl Boyes and Germany's Ralf Souquet, with the remaining two players to be named on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“I am made up! I left it late to make the team but I knew the US Open was my last chance,” said Appleton.
“I've been in good form over the last few months but had no luck at critical times. I prepared mentally great for the Open and it all clicked, so to win it and get a spot in Mosconi Cup is the icing on cake.
“I was desperate to make the team again especially with it being in London and I'm really excited to be playing in England.”
For Appleton, his Open victory in America – the first by an Englishman and only the third ever by a European player – cements his position as one of the fiercest tournament players of recent times.
He beat such names as Ronnie Alcano, Efren Reyes, David Alcaide, Mika Immonen and then Corey Deuel in the Championship match, to give ‘Dynamite's' his third major title in as many years following on from victories at the World Tenball in Manila and the World Pool Masters in Las Vegas.
It will be the Yorkshireman's second appearance in the Mosconi Cup; he was a member of last year's losing team and failed to register a point as his side suffered a torrid time in Las Vegas.
“I watched all of my matches from last year and only missed three balls in the whole event. Not to get a single point was cruel as I feel I played solid pool but my opponents got the rolls and played great also,
Appleton though, is determined to put last year's disappointment behind him and be part of the team that brings the historic trophy back to Europe.
“This year I will win points, that's for sure and to play in the team with my long-time pal Karl Boyes, is a dream as we play great doubles together and know each other's games inside out.
“Hopefully my experience will help him and he will show the world what a great player he is. We will pump the crowds up as we're both emotional players and will do all we can to get the crowd bringing the roof down.
With the final two European players set to be named later this week, Appleton is convinced that whoever they are, the team will be as strong as it has ever been.
“I am determined to win it this year just as the whole team will be and am looking forward to working with Johan Ruijsink (the European captain) – he is a great guy and a great mental coach.
“This could be the best Mosconi Cup ever and the Americans look strong also. All the matches are going to be tight but I feel our 6th man – the fans – will get us over the line,” added Appleton.
Taking place at East London's famous York Hall, following an eight year absence, the PartyCasino.com Mosconi Cup features two five man teams representing Europe and the USA competing over four days from Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th December.
All tickets for the 2010 PartyCasino.com Mosconi Cup are available exclusively from www.seetickets.com/mosconicup
