A bit early I know but I thought as the Teams have just been confirmed I'd post them.

Europe

Chris Melling
Darren Appleton
Ralf Souquet
Nick Van Den Berg
Niels Feijen


USA
Shane Van Boening
Shawn Putnam
Mike Dechaine
Johnny Archer
Rodney Morris

A great mix of form and experience for both teams. Appleton won the US Open last week for the 2nd year in succession with Feijen, Putnam and Archer all having good tournament's also.

The fun starts on December 8th from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Come On Europe!

Surprised at Van Den Berg being picked over Immonen tbh.

Do you have any idea what's happened to Karl Boyes? He seems to have dropped off the radar completley, didn't even feature in the final rankings.

Come on Europe!

I played Chris Melling about 10 years ago when he was world 8 ball champ as the prize for winning Keighley College's Student Union pool tournament.

I lost 8-2 and was 7-balled 7 times! And the 2 I did win were clearances from the break!

They are just so good at that level.

No Earl Strickland !!!!!

Whats happened to Corey Duel ?

JUUUSTIIIIICE!

What a cock that bloke is!

Immonen wasn't even close to getting the 4th/5th spots. It was pretty close between VDB, Feijen, Peach and Huidji See with the first two having good US Open's. Even though they were called wildcard spots - they went to the two players on the points list. As for Boyes - had a tough year really, took time off early in they year to look after his new baby, I've played with him a few times since and he was beginning to hit form again late in the year, lost to Feijen in the US Open, so look out for him in 2012.

As for the USA - Putnam and Dechaine have been brilliant throughout the year. Hatch had a great US Open getting to the Semi's but just missed out in 6th place on the rankings. Deuel was on course to be in the Team but had a shocking US Open albeit with a nightmare 1st round draw against Li Wen Lo. Earl the Pearl finished 10th on the list but it's doubtful that he'd have accepted the invite anyway - he asked not to be considered for the last two years as to help the team.

Bit of a weird year for Pool with a few protests from the top players. Because of this Matchroom decided to just go with the Top 5, instead of allowing two Captain's Picks.

Did you go last year? I went on Saturday night, absolutely incredible evening, never experienced an atmosphere like it.

Booooo !!!!!

Yep, couldn't miss the event on British soil for the first time since 2002. I went Saturday and Sunday - like you said Saturday night was just an incredible atmosphere and hopefully Matchroom will have the common sense to bring it back to the UK next year.

Determined to get to Vegas eventually for it - maybe 2013 .