With the World Cup of Pool set for a return to the storied York Hall, London this June 13-18 the Scottish pair of Jayson Shawand Pat Holtz have promised to leave anyone who stands in their way of the trophy looking like ‘frozen rabbits in the headlights’.
Scotland return to the event for first time since 2013, when Shaw & Holtz suffered a first-round defeat to eventual finalists Holland. However, since then Shaw has gone on to claim a number of major titles in the sport including the Kuwait Open, Turning Stone Classic and the Challenge of Champions among many others. A remarkable 2016 ended in him playing a major part of Team Europe’s 11-3 trouncing of America on his Mosconi Cup debut in London.
“Shaw is unquestionably the No.1 player in the world,” said Holtz. “He has been so consistent over the last 18 months in all competitions, taking many major titles and the Mosconi Cup. His fearless game and knowledge scares opponents and you can see it in their eyes and demeanour at the table, they are like frozen rabbits in the headlights!
“Once we get going there will be no stopping us. Teams won’t want to draw us at any stage. We have the ability and fearless factor to go all the way in this. Nothing will phase us.”
Shaw added: “This is my second time playing in the World Cup of Pool. I'm looking forward to playing again as it's such a great event with fantastic field.
“Myself and Pat have known each other for over 15 years so we know each other's game really well. We’re going there to win.”
Holtz concluded: “Me and Jayson grew up together playing pool and know each other's game very well. We have every confidence in each other and play at the same rhythm around the table which is an important chemistry to have. We are both very excited to get going in this event and look to be the first ever Scottish champions to take the World Cup of Pool title.”
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.
The 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. It is then syndicated internationally as 31 x 1 hour programmes.
2017 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.
