Former world champion Thorsten Hohmann has announced that he will decline his place on Team USA ahead of the 2026 Mosconi Cup.
The 47-year-old earned an automatic qualification slot two days ago after reaching the last 16 of the Philippines Open.
The additional $2,500 prize money from the Southeast Asian leg put Hohmann second in the race to the Mosconi Cup for the USA, over Tyler Styer and Fedor Gorst.
As many fans look forward to seeing a former nine-ball champion fighting for Team USA, ‘The Hitman’ made a shocking statement.
Hohmann revealed his recent struggle on the table as the main reason as to why he declined the honours.
He wrote: “I’m proud to have earned my place. Playing alongside Shane [Van Boening] would be a dream. But I also have to be honest about my game.
“At times in practice, I feel I’m playing as well as ever. Under tournament pressure, I haven’t found that same freedom and consistency. Knowing the game is there, but not being able to rely on it, has been difficult.”
Hohmann, born in Fulda, Germany, has lived in the United States for more than 20 years. Last year, he became a US citizen, qualifying for the Mosconi Cup on Team USA.
In his first year playing under the red, white and blue, Hohmann became the second-ranked American player on the WNT tour in earnings.
He voiced his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the USA as an athlete: “I am German-American, and my German roots will always be part of who I am. But the United States has been my home for more than twenty years. Becoming an American citizen reflected the life I built there, not an opportunity to play in one event.”
“When the DBU released me from the German national team, that chapter of my sporting life ended. The BCA welcomed me without hesitation. I’m grateful for that welcome and proud to represent the Stars and Stripes.”
However, Hohmann ensured that this wouldn’t mean he would never compete in the Mosconi Cup again. He said he would keep working so that when the next opportunity comes, he would be ready for selection.
The world champion in 2003 and 2013, who represented Europe three times between 2003 and 2009, didn’t forget to send his appreciation to his fans and friends and a good luck wish to Team USA this year.
With Hohmann’s decision, Fedor Gorst remained the only playing team member to have represented both Team Europe and Team USA. The Hitman donned Team Europe’s colours on three separate occasions, but he never won the tournament.
Hohmann’s withdrawal would have serious implications for captain Johan Ruysink’s wildcard pick. Justin Bergman and Skylar Woodward are prime candidates for selection, with Gorst potentially being lifted to an automatic qualifying spot.
