Mika Immonen, a three time PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup winner, will be going all out for title number four when he makes his 15th appearance in the annual Europe v America 9 ball battle at the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas from 2nd to 5th December.
The New York-based Finn last played in 2010 when he was on the winning side in London and you would need to look all the way back to 1996 when he made his debut alongside the likes of Steve Davis and Ronnie O’Sullivan in a narrow 15-13 defeat.
Immonen is the only player ever to bag two MVP awards – in Las Vegas in 2003 and Malta in 2008 - and he has a 53% win record over 70 matches played. He now joins Ralf Souquet, Darren Appleton, Karl Boyes and Niels Feijen in a side that has 42 Mosconi Cup appearances between them.
“I'm absolutely proud to be joining Ralf, Darren, Niels and Karl and I think that is a pretty solid looking team,” said Immonen.
“Although I'm last one in I'm pretty sure the Yanks won't be too happy to hear it's me, if you know what I mean!”
Born in London, the 40 year-old Finn has won every major title in pool including WPA World Championships in 2001 and ’09 as well as back-to-back US Open titles in ’08 and ’09.
“The Mosconi Cup is the epitome event in pool, just like the Ryder Cup in golf. Only the elite play in it and they do so with pride unforeseen in any other events. It also means more pressure as you’re playing for five other guys which is exciting to me.
“Looking ahead, nobody is the underdog in this battle but we've proven we can win in the USA. I'm looking forward to it and will be ready to fire on all cylinders. I've battled hard to get back on the team and I always peak towards the end of the year.”
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.
*This is the tenth of 11 announcements naming the two 2013 PartyPoker.netMosconi Cup teams.
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