After an historically bad day for the U.S side, they needed to come out of the gate strong today. However the tone for this session was set right from the start as the European side of Neils Feijen and Karl Boyes won the lag then broke in a nine immediately, 1-0. Before Rodney Morris and Johnny Archer could blink its 3-0. Unlike yesterday the Americans were able to stop the bleeding and fought back to 3-3. Shortly there after some solid play insued and a few good rolls and it was over 4-6 for Europe and up 0-6.
To the Americans credit they took it in stride and looked to take the next match. It looked good for the U.S as Denis Hatch came out strong and established a 4-1 lead against Ralf Souquet, then the stoic veteran began to show his class and play some exceptional safeties and took control of the match with a 4-5 lead. After Hatch broke in a 9 to get to 5-5, Souquet broke then with a difficult rack began a kick safety clinic until he had a chance to run out for the win.
Finally it was SVB and Strickland time to pair up and try and get a point for the U.S. The Americans seemed to have the edge in skill however the rolls kept this match close as Mika Immonen and Darren Appleton could do no wrong. Earl missed a 1 ball at 5-3 up and the whole mood of the arena changed as if they sensed doom. However at 5-5 Immonen planted on the side rail tried to cheat the pocket a bit and rattle the 7, giving SVB a bank and perfect shape on the 9. Finally the U.S get one.
Their hopes were quickly dashed however as Feijen blanked team captain Johnny Archer 0-6. Then the Americans edged out a 6-5 win in the final match of the day between SVB/Morris and Immonen/Boyes.
It was evident again today that the Americans are outclassed in this team event. The Europeans seem too play flawless as one continual threat, while the Americans do not seem to be gelling as a team at all. Down 2-8 lets see if the Americans can win a session tomorrow and bring this to day 4.
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