Europe took a 3-1 lead after the first day of the Mosconi Cup.

In the first team match Europe was always in front with USA unable to catch up. In the fifth rack Van Boening produced the best shot of the match jumping both the 8-ball and the 9-ball to pot the red 3.

Europe finally won the match 5-3 to gain the first point of the contest.

The second match of the day was a doubles match where Neils Feijen of the Netherlands and German Ralf Souquet faced Shane Van Boening from South Dakota, and Rodney Morris from Hawaii.

The Americans had the better start building a 3-1 lead. But the Europeans made a comeback in the remaining racks to turn the tide in their favour and win the match 5-3, to give Europe the second point of the day.

The third match was a singles game between Finland’s Mika Immonen and Texan Jeremy Jones.

The Finnish, finished his opponent in no time to win the contest 5-1 and thus hand the third point to the Europeans.

The last match of the day was another doubles between Malta’s Tony Drago and England’s Mark Gray for Europe against Earl Strickland and John Archer for the USA.

The Americans showed the better stuff as they beat the European doubles’ team 5-3 to gain the first point for USA..