Dennis “The Hatchetman” Hatch has been Voted in as the Final Mosconi Cup Team USA Player

After much anticipation and buzz throughout the billiards media and forums, as well as the pool rooms… Dennis “The Hatchetman” Hatch has been voted in to be the final American to represent USA in the upcoming Mosconi Cup this December.

38-year-old Dennis Hatch from Buffalo, NY is known as a fierce competitor on the pool table, who arguably has one of the most dominant games in pool today.  His notoriety as a player began in 1991, when he finished runner-up to Buddy Hall in the US Open at the age of 20.

With so few recognizable idols and icons in the game, “The Hatchman” has been flying under the radar.  His heart, swagger, aggressive approach, and ability to entertain are all key factors in what American sports fans all admire and enjoy.

The Mosconi Cup is the prestigious annual nine-ball pool event featuring elite teams of European and the American since 1994. The trophy is named after American pool legend, Willie Mosconi. This year, the event will be taking place from December 10-13th at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Dennis Hatch now joins Johnny Archer, Oscar Dominguez, Corey Deuel, and Shane Van Boening, in what looks to be a very strong American line up to face the European team of reigning US Open Champion Mika Immonen, reigning World 10-ball Champion Darren Appleton, Ralf Souquet, Thorsten Hohmann, and Niels Feijen.

After 2 weeks of pool players, friends, and fans voting on who they would like to see in this years Mosconi Cup, Dennis Hatch found out earlier today that he has won the vote.

Dennis got a call from Matchroom Sport, which is based in England today with the news on his victory. Dennis Hatch earned an impressive 26.31% of the vote as he beat out 7 other of the most dominant players in billiards today. The contenders were Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Stevie Moore, Charlie Bryant, John Schmidt, Shawn Putnam, and legend Kim Davenport.  Rodney “The Rocket” Morris is a huge fan favorite, and was a close second in player voting earning 20.07% of the vote.

Dennis has earned many professional accomplishments and has arguably the shortest list of people wanting to play him than any other player, but has never before represented the US in the Mosconi Cup.

In a conversation fresh off receiving the news… NYCgrind.com is proud to share Dennis’ perspective on being voted in to represent America in the Mosconi Cup.

Jerry T:  What are your thoughts right now?

Dennis Hatch:  Wow… I am still in the “oh my God, I can’t believe it” stage… it’s unbelievable.

Jerry T:  What was your reaction to getting the news?

DH: When I got the call from Europe and heard that I had been voted in… I screamed, “Yes, yes… I’m in!”  The news overwhelmed me and brought tears to my eyes. I have been up for two days in anticipation of the news… and my emotions were high. I felt like a kid again.

JT:  Now that you are in what is your approach?

DH:  Now that I am in the Mosconi Cup, I am all about focus and drive. The first thing that I thought about when I calmed down is how I can best be prepared to make a major impact for our team. I am not taking this lightly at all. I will be practicing a minimum of 5 hours a day and working out, and I will be completely prepared body, mind and spirit. This is the most important opportunity I have ever experienced, and I promise my teammates, my fans, and my country that I will deliver.

JT:  What does it mean to you to be selected and playing for team USA in the Mosconi Cup?

DH:  Words cannot describe it. Ever since I was fifteen years old, I always thought the Mosconi Cup was the coolest event, and remember my Dad telling me that if believe I can make it on the team one day, and stay focused… I will. It is part of a dream realized. The other part of the dream is to help my team dominate in impressive fashion. This responsibility is motivating me for the first time in my life to look beyond myself and perform for my team, my fans and for my country… it is truly an amazing honor.

This event is worth more than any personal win, as the prestige of playing with 5 other guys wearing the USA shirt as you play for your country is a different level. As I prepare I am taking my preparation very seriously, as if I am preparing for war and fighting for my country.

JT:  What kind of impact do you think you will make to the team?

DH:  When I am there… I will be so fired up and ready, my presence will certainly be felt. I will be prepared, focused and ready to give 150% while pouring my heart out like I always do and not give up until Team USA are the Champions. It is an honor and a privilege to play on Team USA and after 30 years of playing this game, I know that my experience in battle and dominant presence will help instill fear in Team Europe.

Hatch, from Buffalo, NY has been the most dominant player ever on the Joss Northeast Tour and Las Vegas has proved a happy hunting ground for him as he defeated reigning World 10-Ball Champion Darren Appleton from the UK in their race-to-100 TAR Challenge Match.

The Final Results of the Mosconi Cup Vote:

Dennis Hatch - 26.31%
Rodney Morris - 20.07%
Charlie Williams - 19.54%
Stevie Moore -18.68%
Charlie Bryant - 6.42%
John Schmidt - 5.51%
Shawn Putnam - 1.79%
Kim Davenport - 1.67%

Live in its entirety on Sky Sports in the UK, the event features two five-man teams representing Europe and the USA doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches. Now in its 16th year, the Americans hold a 10-4 lead with one tied match in 2006.

Tickets for the Mosconi Cup are available from: http://www.ticketmaster.com/2009-Mosconi-Cup-tickets/artist/1334375 or 1-800 745 300 or from the MGM Grand on 1-800-929-1111 or 702-891-7777.

The 2009 PartyPoker.net Mosconi Cup takes place from Thursday to Sunday 10-13 December at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Live in its entirety on Sky Sports in the UK, the event will feature two five-man teams representing Europe and the USA doing battle in a series of singles and doubles matches.

Be sure to check out these two videos below featuring Dennis “The Hatchetman” Hatch.

Spotlight video produced by NYCgrind.com on Dennis Hatch as a world-class grinder, fresh off his TAR Challenge Match win over Darren Appleton for 40K.

Spotlight video on Dennis Hatch winning the Predator Tour’s 2009 Empire State 9-ball Championships.

You can read the story and see the photo gallery from the event HERE.