Willie Mosconi remains pool’s most recognizable ambassador. He won the Billiard Congress of America championship an amazing 15 times in 16 years and is in its Hall of Fame.  Mosconi owns a sport record of 526 consecutive balls sunk, a mark akin to 100 homers in a season. The record, expected to last into eternity, comprised approximately 35 straight racks.

The championship bearing his name was a European exclusive until 2003. That’s when MGM began hosting the affair, providing alternating sites and international interest.  The American team triumphed in 2005 at MGM and maintained its title by rallying for a draw last year in Rotterdam.

The format returns to a race for 11 points this year. Each match is worth one point. Five matches unfold on December 13 through 15 and the final six occur December 16. The speedup rule is a key ingredient for the competition. With rare exception, players have 30 seconds to take their shots.

By Dave Bontempo

Casino Connection Sports Editor Dave Bontempo is an award-winning sports writer and broadcaster who calls boxing matches all over the world. He has covered the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, as well as numerous PGA, LPGA and Seniors Golf Tour events, and co-hosted the Casino Connection television program with Publisher Roger Gros.

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