Barry Hearn, the chairman of Matchroom Sport’s, recently announced that the 2008 Mosconi Cup would be moving to the island of Malta, a European nation. This year’s Mosconi Cup is scheduled for December 11th through the 14th and will take place at the Hilton Hotel in the city of Portomaso in Malta. This will be the fifteenth Mosconi Cup to take place.

Since the Mosconi Cup began, it has grown from a simple exhibition event to an exciting contest between the best pool players in the world. The Mosconi Cup was created by using a style similar to the Ryder Cup, in the Golf genre. Focusing on the move, Hearn stated: "The Mosconi Cup has developed into a major sporting occasion and I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to stage the event in Malta."

The Mosconi Cup will have singles and doubles matches taking place over the four day period in Malta. The United States and Europe will be represented by two five man teams during the event. Europe has only been in the competition since 1994 and has only won three times including their win last year. The competition between the United States and the European players will be interesting to see. We shall see if Europe will be able to hold on to the title, or if the United States will pull out a win.

Malta’s very own Tony Drago will be attending the event; Drago won the Most Valuable Player award at last year’s event in Las Vegas. Drago will not only be attending the event, but hosting as well. Sky Sports will be producing the show and it will be aired in the United Kingdom. In the United States, Fox Sports Net will be broadcasting highlight packages, along with other sports stations.


- 2008-08-12