SIX YEARS is a long time to wait but there is a very strong feeling within European pool that the Mosconi Cup is finally coming home after such a long period of total American domination of the pool table.

Taking place at the fabled York Hall, Bethnal Green, from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 December, the Mosconi Cup pits six-man teams from the USA and Europe against each other in what is the world of pool's answer to golf's Ryder Cup.

The American team sees two changes to the side that won last year. Out go the nervy Michael Coltrain and out-of-form Shannon Daulton to be replaced by rising star Charlie Williams and Nick Varner, who has twice lifted the Mosconi Cup as captain in 1997 and 98.

Earl Strickland will again be in charge of the team and he will be joined by US Open champion Corey Deuel, four-time Mosconi veteran Johnny 'The Scorpion' Archer, and the rock-solid Jeremy 'Double J' Jones.

In the blue corner for the Europeans will be captain Ralf 'The Kaiser' Souquet making his seventh Mosconi Cup appearance. Steve Davis and Steve Knight will be carrying British hopes and back in the team is Marcus Chamat of Sweden.

Reigning World Champion Mika 'The Iceman' Immonen of Finland plays and the new kid on the block is 'The Terminator' Niels Feijen (Holland) who has had a fantastic season, winning big money around the world.

All tickets are free and will be available from November 12 in person from the York Hall on 020 8980 2243 or from Matchroom Sport on 01708 782212 or info@matchroomsport.com