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Stroke of Genius

Presented by PoolDawg.com
Video provided by Accu-Stats Video Productions


World Pool Masters




Player: Jayson Shaw
Event: Mosconi Cup
Location: London, U.K.
Date: December 8, 2023



Last month's shot by Albin Ouschan at the 2023 Mosconi Cup came about when the winner of the transatlantic tilt was all but assured. This month's Stroke of Genius took place 24 hours earlier, with Team Europe in a commanding spot, leading 7-1 in matches in the race-to-11. But the opening match of Day 3 might've offered the Americans a hope for a reset, for a chance to start anew after two disasterous days put them in this six-point hole.

In this doubles match, American star Skyler Woodward and Mosconi Cup rookie Shane Wolford faced European titans David Alcaide and Jayson Shaw. In the opening rack, Shaw came to the table looking at the tricky layout shown in the diagram. Sure, he had no problems seeing the 3 ball against the footrail. But his only open pocket was a table length away in the top left corner.

While most bank shots come with plenty of gusto, the Scotsman needed to bring a little more finesse to this shot. The 3 ball was less than a half-ball width from the rail, giving him enough space to avoid a double hit, though playing that angle for the bank was supremely challenging.

With a punchy stroke, Shaw sent the object ball ambling downtable, while the cue ball nudged the headrail before coming to a stop in line with the 4 ball and the bottom right pocket. The 3 ball made a beeline for the right point of the top left pocket. It was a smidge to the inside of the point, letting the 3 drop. Shaw, with his usual bravado, offered the crowd an “OK” gesture, clearly knowing he had it all along.

The Europeans took this rack on their way to a 5-2 win that shut the door on any ideas of an American revival for the 2023 Mosconi Cup.


(Video clip provided by Accu-Stats Video Productions.)


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