Player: Skyler Woodward
Event: European Open
Location: Fulda, Germany Date: August 11, 2024



Skyler Woodward is an interesting player on the international stage. A vet — and often the anchor — of Team USA in the Mosconi Cup, the American can produce plenty of content for highlight reels, but he is also capable of putting up consistently strong performances in major events. While he chases his first world title, Woodward has knocked off the Derby City Classic 9-ball division and routinely advanced to the quarterfinals and semifinals at global tournaments.

Such it was at the 2024 European Open, where he matched up with eventual champion Mickey Krause in the semifinal of the 256-player event. In the race-to-11, Woodward was trailing, 7-4, when he came to the table in the situation shown in the diagram. Woodward was looking at a straightforward jump shot on the 6 ball, which was along the long rail and hiding behind the 8.

The problem was what came next. The 8 and 9 were bracketing any potential angle on the 7 ball, so he needed to be exact in his position play after going airborne to pocket the 6. Loading up on draw, Woodward popped the cue ball over the blocker with a short, punchy stroke. After pocketing the 6, the cue ball pulled back, grazing the 9 ball before coming to a rest adjacent to the 8.

The angle on the 7 wasn’t ideal, but it was manageable. From there, Woodward pocketed it and played position for the 8 in the same pocket as the 6. Clearing the rack, he inched within two racks of Krause. But a comeback wasn’t to be, as Krause closed out the set, 11-9. Another late-round run for Woodward, leaving pool fans thinking it’s only a matter of time before he closes one out.

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