U.S. men’s billiards team advances to semi-finals

The U.S. men’s billiards team’s struggle for a second gold medal ended on Thursday following a 8-4 semi-final defeat by England.

Four years ago in Korea, team win gold medal – the first sport for the United States, which had never been known as a powerhouse in billiards. That resounding victory lifted the team and set the stage for their Olympic return.

The team took a 5-4 record in the first leg of the round robin, good for fourth place and a place in the semi-finals. But it couldn’t get past the British top seed. It will still have a chance to contest bronze with Canada on Friday.

The U.S. women’s billiards team drew with South Korea and China to take sixth place in the round robin standings, having won four of nine games. It won’t win a medal.