rodfoley(Q) Thorsten, the man of the hour. Welcome and congrats on the big IPT win.
thehitman(A) Thank you very much... I am still smiling even though I just lost the COC final to Johnny...

Bazooka(Q) Thorsten, I was wondering why you are not playing in the 2006 World Cup of Pool?
thehitman(A) Well, the competition in Germany is very strong...just too many good players, like Ralf, Thomas, Oliver, etc...Thomas and Oliver both had strong years, thats why they selected them...sad, they didnt make two German teams

SlickRick_PCS(Q) Well, I just wanted to say congrats on winning on the International Pool Tour. My first question would be that adside from playing pool, do you play other forms of billiards... do you have prior experience with them or just even meddling around with them?
thehitman(A) We used to have a Carom and Snooker table at our club. When I met Martin Horn (TOP German 3cushion player) I got excited and amazed my Carom...but I never really took it seriously, even though I would like to learn mor about other games

Timberly(Q) Thorsten, you seemed to be having a good time cheering on the guy in Baltimore that was trying to break his speed pool record. Do you know the guy personally?
thehitman(A) Dave Pearson - great guy and good friend. He is also with my Sponsor - CUE AND CASE and he is a very entertaining guy. He will owe me a dinner because I was the loudest to cheer him..hehehe

Dougie_Fresh(Q) Thorsten... job well done last month. What kind of preperation did you do for this event and did you prepare for this one in any different manor than other tournaments?
thehitman(A) well, i was just pumped up from the world straight pool, which gave me a lot of confidence. had a great practice session with charlie williams at my house in jacksonville and spent a lot of time in new york city, where i spent hours and hours at amsterdam, playing only 8ball, going to the gym every day and hanging out with my friend randy goldwater...

rodfoley(Q) What aiming method do you utilize?
thehitman(A) i know a few aiming methods, but today I use my guts...i just know how my cue deflects, and thats all that matters, i think...

AzHousePro(Q) You were about to give up the game a few years back. With your IPT win, will you continue to play for another 25 years or will you rethink everything?
thehitman(A) haha, i never really wanted to give up playing pool. but i guess the pros have to live with me for the next few years...hehehe

AzHousePro(Q) What sort of exercise routine to you have? It seems that fitness played a big part in your IPT win.
thehitman(A) I have always been working out....even before I joined the army...but also I realized that I have to do more...I like running, riding the bike, swimming and lifting heavy weights :-)

rodfoley(Q) What meant more to you the straight pool championship or the IPT win? (Money not included)
thehitman(A) cant compare it really. I LOVE straight pool, always have been. that meant the world to me and stands out for itself. but with the IPT, the glamour, the format, the attention, the tv exposure makes the IPT the prestigious tournaments to win...money included...

Holly(Q) What type of mental preparation did you do before the IPT finals against Manolo? You were so calm especially in light of playing in essence for quarter of a million dollars on one set of 8-ball. I was impressed.
thehitman(A) i had been in similar situation many times. and i know, i always play 100% against Marlon. i respect him, his game and I like him personally. plus everything seemed to go my way...i was relaxed, very confident and had charlie and many friends and fans on my side...

sjm(Q) I recall that when you won the BCA Open in Las Vegas, Ralf Souquet seemed to get even more excited about it than you did. What has Ralf meant to you as a player?
thehitman(A) Ralf deserve to be in the HALL OF FAME, in my opinion. He has been and still is today one of my great heroes and I admire his professionalism. I am glad to call him a friend and I will support him as much as he supports me. He is also having a great year and I am happy for him as I would have won his titles... Hi STU -wink-

AzHousePro(Q) It is true that you might not play in the World Pool Championship this year? That would be a big loss to the game.
thehitman(A) Well, everybody knows...I love the Philippines. And there would be nothing greater to win the 9-Ball title again this year...but as I know..the dates are not conflicting...if so, I would give Kevin Trudeau personally a call...hehehe

Richard(Q) Thorsten, with you success in the IPT, do you see the continuing professionalization of pool and its athletes? And if so, who will most take advantage of this, the Europeans, the Asians, or the Americans?
thehitman(A) We have all been waiting for someone to come and support pool..and here we go...Players already have been starting to take the game more professional...even when I talk to kids they get inspired and they want to become a tour members...the asians have always been very dangerous....will see when the great taiwanese players start playing on the tour....

AzHousePro(Q) Thorsten, can you explain what role the military has played in your pool playing career?
thehitman(A) The sport support unit is a great help for the German athletes. most of the titles and gold medals won by german athlete were won by members of the sport support unit of the army... i was able to practice like a pro, the army was paying my salary and health insurance...perfect...wish I could still be on... -lol-

rodfoley(Q) You are my favorite player to watch play, you stay so mentally focused. What tricks of the trade could you pass along that helps you to keep focused?
thehitman(A) well,think its my natural to be calm and quiet and focus. what works for me, might not work for others...everybody is different....think, its experience....i dont do voodoo stuff...oh my god..i wish i could write faster...

AzHousePro(Q) I understand you have a little celebration planned this week. Can you tell us about it?
thehitman(A) HAHA...everybody is invited...if you can make it in time...I am going to throwing a party in JAX tomorrow and a lot of friends are coming...we will have bar-b-q, games(surprise-even my friends dont know), music, dance, plus the IPT will send a camera team down to cover the event...so everybody tune in in september for the show on OLN...

Bazooka(Q) What is in your pool bag? Or that you would like to share, care to share cue specs or anything like that?
thehitman(A) I play with a LUCASI CUE in combination with the UNIVERSAL SMARTSHAFT, 19 1/2 ounze, moori hard tip....UNIVERSAL break cue (brand new...just got it before IPT)....dont really use to many tools....the Sandman, tip tool...

therooko(Q) What do you feel is your best game? 1 hole, nine ball, 8 ball or straight pool?
thehitman(A) Well, i grew up playing all the games, but my focus was always on straight pool....the most tournaments I won as a junior was 8-Ball, but my break through was winning the world 9-ball title...

AzHousePro(P) We are nearing the end of our scheduled hour, but Thorsten says he is willing to stay as late as he needs to in order to answer everyone's questions. So get your questions in now if you want them answered.

therooko(Q) Who was your biggest influence growing up?
thehitman(A) i feel blessed...my parents have always been supporting me...good or bad times...my coach Michael Wahl in germany...the first person I met when I started playing pool...still my coach today and the BEST !!! All the friends and players I met along the way....Charlie Williams for example who brought me to the states and helped me like no other growing as a person....I could name so many people...

kyle(Q) what are your thoughts playing on the slow cloth?
thehitman(A) I dont mind playing A slow cloth, but I am NOT a fan of the nap cloth...I think the last half an inch is unpredictable...the ball might roll to the left, or the right...and our sport requires precision....but if thats the cloth we have to play on....i just close my mouth, stop complaining and practice on it...

da9ball(Q) Was just wondering how many hours a day do you practice?
thehitman(A) well, if i would not be so busy....i like to practice with my coach michael 4-5 hours every day...doing drills and exercises....every morning we go to the gym or the stadium or the swimming pool for a couple hours...

f210(Q) hello Thorsten, which team do you think will win the upcoming World Cup of Pool?
thehitman(A) GERMANY !!! YEAH ! maybe USA, Taiwan, England, Philippines, etc....hehehe

supergreenman(Q) What kind of support did you get for pool in your youth, were there leagues for young kids to compete and how much did your parents have to do with encouraging you?
thehitman(A) everything is very well organized and structured in europe...kids learn to play competitively at a young age, playing in leagues, tournaments etc...my parents played the biggest factor for me becoming a good player...my father even brought my lunch and dinner to the club, so I didnt have to stop practicing...my school was supporting me too...they still have a pool table there...

Bazooka(Q) Who are your sponsors? Is pool bigger in Germany as far as being mainstream than it is here in America? Do you see there being more money and bigger sponsors involved in the future? As great of a game as pool is, it is very hard to believe it has anywhere to go but up....
thehitman(A) The industry is here in America....and I am proud to be with Lucasi..they were the first to believe in me and supporting me.... I hope the IPT will change some things and pool will become mainstream....i will do the best i can to promote the sport....

Rubyron(Q) Have you ever gambled on pool and how do you feel about it?
thehitman(A) I have NEVER gambled...its my attitude...some players are forced, because the need the money...some need the pressure playing for money...I just love the game....its the environment...kids know that their heroes gamble...its normal...so they start doing it... i believe u can become a great champ, without playing for money and be sure to play because ofthe beauty and purity oft the game.....sorry for the mistakes...trying to think and type fast...hehehe

NYC(Q) thorsten, how much time do you spend everyday doing your hair, and it's been said that you are the best dresseds player in pool history, is that important to you?
thehitman(A) HAHAHA....I wish I would have Ralf's style...would delete some problems...but with every tournament I lose more hair anyways....or at least get more grey ones....best dressed player ? wait for my next IPT appearance...hehehe

JAM(Q) What lady player do you think has the STRONGEST game?
thehitman(A) Jasmin Oushan - she has the drive to become the greatest player ever, breaks like a monster, looks like a hollywood star and practices and takes the game as serious as I do...watch out for her....men and women...

da9ball(Q) Throsten do you have any pets, if yes what kind and do they have names? :)
thehitman(A) Well, there is Eight Ball, the cutest chihuahua puppy in THE WORLD....he is black with white markings and weights a pound and a half....the love of my life -Sandy, she is 4years old and tips the scale at a whopping 2 1/2 pound....and some cool fish....watch IPT in september !

rodfoley(Q) What practice drills and routines would you suggest for overall improvement?
thehitman(A) Well,my coach has 1million drills and exercises for me and they are all great....as long as you do them...thats the important part - DO drills...i personally would recommend the new PAT System invented by one of my coaches Ralph Eckert www.pat-billiard.com

rackmsuckr(Q) I want to know about the shoes you wore in the IPT finals...were they boots? Were they comfortable??
thehitman(A) Haha, I know...people are making fun of me...thats ok, at least they are talking about me....no, they werent booths, just cool looking dress shoes...go to fulda, germany...railwaystation...totos boothstore...

AzHousePro(P) Thorsten now has enough questions and will stay with us long enough to answer those.

kyle(Q) do you play one pocket?
thehitman(A) I only played in one tournament...the derby city 2005 and didnt do too bad...I want to look more into the game...cause i think it would improve my overall game...but one rack of one-pocket can take more energy of me than playing one full ipt tournament...

Bazooka(Q) What is it like being a professional pool player? The way I pitcure it in my mind, The way I picture it in my mind as being similar to a professional poker player, but more tight knit....I just picture all of you guys roomed up in hotels while on tour and going out for a night on the town as fraternity brothers lol....Do you primarily hang out with other pros and practice with them, goto their baby showers....ect?
thehitman(A) I love my life ! I love being a professional pool player....yes, there are sacrifices to make...I dont see my family as often, to name one...but I meet new great people every day...yes, sometimes you only see the airport, the hotel and the venue...but sometimes I have the time to visit the cities, the towns, places...and I get arround...I have friends on every continent...I ve been friends with most of the players on tour...one day I will write a book about all the stories I have been trough...and there are a lot...

rodfoley(Q) For those of us not in the know, what's with Toastie?
thehitman(A) HAHA, a classmate when I was 16 years gave me this nickname...since then my closest friends call me so...its cute, isnt it ? Wouldnt it sound good on tv ? Bad ass toasti ?

JAM(Q) The first time you spoke to your mom and dad, what did they say to you, after learning you had won the biggest prize ever in the history of pool?
thehitman(A) Well, they were watching the game live on tv with a bunch of my friends in Germany...they both play pool too, so they know....and of course they are the proudest parents in the world and I cant wait to see them....How is Keith ?

cheesemouse(Q) so you think it will be tougher all around at the Reno event and if so why?
thehitman(A) well, i will be the hunted one...but i will also be full of confidence and prepared...i ve been working harder than ever before....but players slowly realize what it takes to do to play at a high level..which is good...this will elevate the sport to a new level....

JAM(Q) Keith is fine. We're going to Turning Stone in 2 days. The fans will miss seeing you there.
thehitman(A) Yes, we were having fun the last time, werent we? I really like the tournament, but this is the only time window I have, to do personal stuff...and I try to keep the balance, which will be positiv for my game again...good luck to keith...

rodfoley(Q) WIth someone of your professionalism promoting the sport it has to take a step forward.
thehitman(A) oh,thank you...there are many great players and good examples for our sport...hope the kids follow the "good examples"

SlickRick_PCS(Q) just to throw down the line here; Thorsten, who will you predict will win the World Championships this year?
thehitman(A) far too many players i could name.....well, lets start...maybe i catch one...Archer, Souquet, Bustamante, Manalo, Yang, Pagulayan, etc, etc, etc....maybe an unknown player again ?!....Toasti perhaps... -lol-

da9ball(Q) Do you have a favorite mexican player, if yes who would that be?
thehitman(A) DAN - The Mexican Laski (hahaha) they let you on here ? cook me some food....

Nostroke(Q) Who is your toughest opponent and who would you pick for a Scotch doubles partner besides Charlie your cornerman?
thehitman(A) mmmh....i dont fear a particular player....I used to dont like playing against my friends, but I am over it...the older I get the more professional I become...but I am just a human being and have my ups and downs...I always play good with Ralf...but I am a easy scotch doubles partner to play with...I never complain...hehehe ( anyone interested?- send ur proposal to mike howerton)

thehitman(P) I wish I could have more time to think about the questions...to give good answers. Plus my English is not my first language and I have to search every letter on the keyboard...hehehe

thehitman(P) Wait...there is more to say...

thehitman(P) dont leave...

thehitman(P) I wanna say thank you to Mike Howerton and AZBILLARDS ! Keep up the good work - I really enjoyed this little session...maybe we can do it again in the future...with a more experienced Toasti... emptypockets left.

thehitman(P) Thanks to MY sponsors...Lucasi Cues, Universal Smart Shaft, Dragon Promotions ! U R the best !!! Party tomorrow at the DOME in Jacksonville.....yeah...

AzHousePro(P) I would like to thank Thorsten for taking the time from his schedule to conduct this chat with everyone. And for staying later than originally planned.

thehitman(P) I am not done....

thehitman(P) Thanks to YOU !!! All the pool lovers....we all share the same passion...keep playing, enjoying and supporting the greatest sport in the world !!!

thehitman(P) Good night...I have to walk the dogs...