ESSEN – Both in the World Cup in Korea and in Greece for the next few weeks, the name of an international player is lacking: German Martin Horn. The renowned professional player has decided to retire for the World Cups. That’s really disappointing for many fans in the world of three cushion, but is, according to the player himself, a very thoughtful decision.
Kozoom’s reporter Markus Schönhoff asked about the reason and to the goals for the upcoming season. Starting with the most important question.
Markus Schönhoff: Martin, why don’t we see you again in the World Cup tournaments?
Martin Horn: ,,I had a long thought about it and concluded that I want to play where I feel really nice. It's not about fame and money that I will not play there, but for my own peace of mind. I would indeed get the financial support of the German federation, but the first thing is that I need to find new motivation and ambition. In the World Cup I don’t feel happy at the moment.''
,,There are more reasons for not playing the World Cups. First of all, I dropped from the top twelve. I'm really disappointed in myself, that I did not perform well, so that I'm off for top twelve now. I have always continued to develop, but must admit that it was not enough, because the others are probably better than ever! Perhaps the lack of success also has to do with the fact that I don’t like playing the World Cups anymore.’’
MS: You could be back in top twelve with one super result this year, so why don’t you try?
MH: ,,I don’t need to prove that I'm a good player and certainly not to myself. I am very motivated to play billiards at a professional level, but not at any price. I hate long flights and usually I can’t sleep well in hotels. In addition, there is the knockout system, which makes no one happy. If you are out quickly, you have to wait three or four days for a flight. And I would rather like to train at home. I love tournaments where I can play several matches in a row as in the Agipi Masters, or Lausanne. Those events are professionally organized and you are respected as a player.''
,,You have to care about nothing, only to make caroms. The last German championship in three cushion was an example as well how a tournament should be. That kind of tournaments are nice, I play with my heart and can perform on top level. We should have more events like that.''
MS: So, no more World Cups in the future?
MH: ,,As I said, I have decided to take a break for the time being! World championships and European championships I like to play, as far as am seeded. I think I will come back, even stronger, to be more successful in the World Cups. I have confidence in my abilities and my potential. My hunger is still there, but for now I choose my own tournaments.’’
MS: We'll see you again in the European leagues.
MH: ,,Yes, that's what I love so much! I have some wonderful teams with a lot of friends and I look out like a little kid to each league.
In Bergisch-Gladbach I feel great, people are correct, ambitious and reliable! It is always special for me to play in the bundesliga.’’
,,In Belgium we have a fantastic team, that plays for a top spot every year. The Belgian spectators come to watch our matches and have a wonderful evening. It is great to perform there! Sometimes an unknown Belgian billiard lover comes to me to thank me for the great game! These are moments that make my heart beating faster, they are more important than ranking points.''
,,And also in France, with Laxou, we have with a wonderful team with a lot of spirit. The entire club is a big family. You are respected as a player and a person and feel like home!''
,,In Austria the public is very sympathetic, they look forward all the time to see the foreign top players! The competition is on its way to get better known. I love the mentality in Vienna. Next year I will play in the European Cup with BSK Union Wien.’’
,,In the Netherlands, I have not found a team this year unfortunately. May be for the future there will be another chance, because I like to play on that very high level.’’
MS: You’re giving many training sessions and personal trainings, isn’t it?
MH: ,,That’s how my life looks like. I like it a lot to hand my knowledge over to others! Sometimes I like it more than playing tournaments. I regularly give courses throughout Germany and also in Vienna now. Very interesting challenges! At home, I give many lessons in my billiard room, also with the MYWEBSPORT system, which really gives us efficient analyzes.''
MS: What are your sporting goals for the upcoming season?
MH: ,,I just want to have fun in every game that I play. If I succeed, the good results will follow. You can never force anything, but always do your best for me is a matter of honor!''
,,I'd be happy too when I can make technical and tactical development, working on my weaknesses and use my strengths. The mental search for the correct key is an ongoing process and the biggest challenge! Trifles in thinking often make the difference.''
,,In sporting terms, I want to play a good individual World championship in Antwerp and finally I would like to be on the top spot with Germany at the World Championship for teams in Viersen. The German championship in Bad Wildungen is my goal to get gold again and of course I want to defend my German Masters title in three cushion.''
,,But most of all, I look forward to the upcoming season with a lot of ambition and for sure I will have fun in all my matches.’’