U.S. SETS OFF TO A 2-1 LEAD IN MOSCONI 2000
by Mike Panozzo

The boisterous locals were in full throat Thursday night at historic York Hall in east London as Europe and the USA squared off for the opening matches in the 2000 Acclaim Mosconi Cup. And if Thursday's matches were any indication, the evenly matched teams will battle well into Sunday before a verdict is determined.

Traditionally slow starters, the US squad took the early 2-1 lead Thursday, opening with a flourish Thursday when team anchor Johnny Archer and Shannon Daulton blazed through Finland's Mika Immonen and Sweden's Marcus Chamat, 5-1. "I felt more relaxed than I can ever remember," said Archer, who raced through racks like he was coasting through a practice session.

But if the U.S. team, the youngest squad it's fielded in the seven-year history of the Cup, has one weakness, it was exposed in the second session.  Twenty-five-year-old Michael Coltrain's arm wobbled almost uncontrollably, as he botched numerous easy shots during a 5-1 loss to the seasoned German duo of Euro captain Ralf Souquet and Thomas Engert. Coltrain was paired with Jeremy Jones in the match. Although he was making his Mosconi Cup debut, the 35-year-old Engert is no stranger to big-time team competition. The lefty shot confidently throughout the match. The same could not be said for Coltrain.

"I just don't have any confidence right now," admitted Coltrain. "I started getting nervous about a year ago, and I haven't been able to shake it. I worry about it, and I worry about worrying. And it seems lately, that every match I play is on TV."

"We knew it was important to play well and get the second match," said  Souquet. "We are all nervous here, but I think we played okay tonight."

The evening's final match pitted the unlikely duo of U.S. captain Earl Strickland and 23-year-old Corey Deuel, not known as the closest of friends. Some questioned teamming first-timer Deuel with the volatile Strickland, but the pair came out firing against the British team of snooker legend Steve Davis and 9-ball star Steve Knight, rolling to a 3-0 lead. "I hope no one is waiting for this kid to show nerves," Coltrain said of Deuel. "They'll be waiting a long time. Nothing bothers Corey."

The Euros stormed back to trail just 3-2, but when Knight scratched shooting the 8 ball in the next game, the U.S. finished off the match, 5-2. The tournament continues Friday afternoon and evening with singles and doubles matches. The first team to post 12 match wins will earn the coveted team cup.