Gossip
Earl makes friends at reception
EARL Strickland, clearly feeling the pressure of the Mosconi Cup, was walking through the lobby of the Hilton Hotel early Saturday morning and the receptionist politely said 'Have a good day sir,' as Strickland passed her desk.
The Pearl turned to her and gave her a tirade about the size of the pockets, the crowd not appreciating his great play, and concluded with his time honoured rant that they don't treat golfers like this (what, on all expenses paid in one of the most luxurious hotels in Europe?) I bet she wished she'd never asked.
Andy tries to hustle the reigning US Open Champion
ANDY Goldstein, Sky Sports' 'legend in his own lunchtime' presenter, fancies himself as a bit of a hotshot on the pool table. A former avid snooker player with a top break of 97, Andy spent the early hours in the bar setting up a match against European star Mika Immonen.
In the end they agreed to a race to five with Goldstein receiving a three rack start. The stakes were 100euros. We'll let you know how they get on but Immonen's last words as he left the bar were 'do you ever have the feeling you've been hustled?'
Congratulations for Jerry
CONGRATULATIONS to Sky Sports commentator Jerry Forsyth on taking up a position on the board of the World Pool Association. Forsyth, who is in his tenth year behind the mic for Sky, is also a principal of AZBilliards.com, the leading pool website in the USA. He will be representing the BCA and has plenty of worthwhile ideas for improving the lot of the pool player at large.
Does Strickland has Maltese roots?
EARL is not the only Strickland to make a big impression in Malta. Gerald, 1st Baron Strickland and the 6th Count of Catena, was Prime Minister of Malta and Governor of a host of Commonwealth territories in the early part of the 20th century. Could they be related?
Land of luxury in Portomaso
MANY of the crew and officials here in Malta for the Mosconi Cup are on their first visit to these Mediterranean islands and the verdict is a unanimous one. With rocky harbours, shady side streets and a plethora of superb restaurants and nightlife, there will be plenty who will be heading back at some point very soon.
In addition the five star Hilton Hotel in Portomaso, which is hosting the Mosconi Cup, turns out to be the epitome of luxury with probably the most comfortable beds in the world.
Happy Birthday Michaela
MOSCONI Cup head referee Michaela Tabb celebrated her birthday on the opening day of the event.
Michaela has been an integral part of the event and is widely respected as one of the most popular referees in cue sports.
It's rude to ask a lady's age but everyone at Matchroom Sport wishes her all the best and hopes she has a great day.
Welcome drinks and a new jacket for Johnny
ON Wednesday evening a welcome drinks event was held for the players where each player was introduced.
Both team captains - Europe's Alex Lely and USA's Nick Varner - both spoke of their pride in captaining their respective teams and their desire to win the most prestigious team competition in world pool.
All the players wore suits with all the Americans having red ties and all the Europeans blue ties. However, Johnny Archer was nearly the odd one out as he had forgot a white shirt and suit jacket so ended up wearing clothes borrowed from some of the Matchroom Sport staff!
Earl starts early
ONE of the best parts of the Mosconi Cup is the banter that goes on between the two sides.
Well, Earl 'The Pearl' Strickland wasted no time in trying to get the psychological advantage over his opponents.
Earl stopped over at Gatwick Airport in England en-route from America and was then joined on his connecting flight by Europe's Tony Drago and Mark Gray.
Strickland wasted no time in telling Drago 'he would beat him, beat him, beat him' before then continuing with the same theme after landing in Malta with Gray now the victim of Earl's ear-bending!
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