"Europe's Captain Jayson Shaw Slams USA's Mosconi Cup Team, Worries Fans Might Tune Out"

JAYSON SHAW has accused the United States Mosconi Cup team of not treating the competition with respect and quitting when the going gets tough.

Europe’s player-captain has fired shots to the Americans, particularly opposite number Skyler Woodward, on the eve of the annual Nineball pool extravaganza.

Jayson Shaw has called out his opposite number Skyler WoodwardCredit: DHUB_Search_Alamy_NUK Shaw accused Woodward of picking his best friendCredit: Getty

Europe are looking to win the title for a sixth time on the bounce when the four-day event starts at Ally Pally on Wednesday.

Shaw, the MVP 12 months ago in , blasted the transatlantic opposition, saying they need to perform better and put up more of a fight – otherwise people will start to switch off their televisions.

The have picked the same line-up again that was pumped 11-6 last time, though Shaw reckons Woodward should not have picked best pal Billy Thorpe over young buck Lukas Fracasso-Verner.

The Scotsman, 37, said: “We want the matches to be more fun. We want more people to tune in.

“If we keep beating them the way we do, people lose interest in it. So it’s in their best interest to try and get better and gel more as a team.

“Try and show a little bit more heart instead of giving up halfway through.

“They pick the same team over and over. They’ve picked the same team again, who got beat last year.

“There’s been a lot of American younger players coming through and I believe that one of them should have got picked in front of Billy Thorpe this year.

“He’s played in probably around five events this whole year. So it’s a bit unfair.

“But I guess with Skyler being the captain and Billy being his best friend, he’s going for the best friend instead of doing what’s right for the team.

“That’s a big no-no for me – I can assure you, being the captain, if someone was outperforming him all year, then my friend would be told: ‘Sorry, I’m doing what’s good for the team.’

“I feel like some of the US team wanted different players.

“I don’t think the has lost its appeal. Maybe some people just feel like they know what the outcome is going to be.

“With Team USA, it’s always the same players on the team and they don’t get the results.

“So after a while of seeing the same players not getting results, a lot of people are just going to not fall out with it, but kind of not tune in as much.

“For European players it’s different. We’re more dedicated. You know, we’re all about winning. I feel like Team USA sometimes just shows up just to get paid.

“Because halfway through the event, as soon as they get down, they all quit. They give in. And we can see it on their faces.

“So that gives us more drive to put the foot down and finish them early.”

– a seven-time Mosconi Cup winner – got the European team together on November 19 and took them to Scotland for a bonding session and practice block in front of punters.

They also spent time in a “big Airbnb in a farm in the middle of nowhere” where they played with each other at a private facility.

Shaw, nicknamed Eagle Eye, said: “It’s always a good time with the guys. You’re hanging out, there’s lots of jokes, lots of fun. Some serious play included in that, too.

“I enjoy getting them all together. Like I said, we’ve had 10 days together. I feel like we’re ready to go and we’re well prepared.”