In a historic moment for Nineball, Fedor Gorst – who was positioned at No.2 in the Team Europe qualification rankings – will now represent the United States at this year’s landmark event in London, England.
Fedor’s acquisition for Team USA comes as a result of the 23-year-old's recently granted permanent residency in the United States, marking a significant and exciting moment in the storied history of the Mosconi Cup. Gorst qualified for December’s showpiece at Alexandra Palace following his runners-up finish, collecting $25,000 WNT ranking points at the US Open Pool Championship in Atlantic City. His representation of the United States in the Mosconi Cup signals an exciting new chapter in his burgeoning career where he will now represent USA across all World Nineball Tour events starting with the Hanoi Open Pool Championship this week.
As a result of Gorst’s change in country representation, European Open champion David Alcaide has taken the second qualification spot for Team Europe and will join fellow-Spaniard and World Cup of Pool partner Francisco Sanchez Ruiz as part of Ralph Eckert’s roster.
Alcaide will compete in his third consecutive Mosconi Cup and fifth overall, having a 75% success-record in the trans-Atlantic feature.
The change in representation across the WNT events complied with Matchroom’s policy regarding country representation, which can be found here.
Matchroom Multi-Sport CEO, Emily Frazer said: “This is one of the most exciting announcements in the 30-year history of Mosconi Cup, with American fans able to witness another world-class player showcase their skills on the grandest stage for them. Fedor received a great reception when representing the Americans at his run to the final at the US Open last month, and with David, the newly crowned European Open Champion, confirmed for Europe, two of Nineball’s current greatest will go head-to-head at the 30th anniversary of the Mosconi Cup.”
Fedor Gorst added: “Since I moved to the USA in February of last year, I’ve been welcomed with open arms everywhere I’ve been. The people of America have treated me like one of their own. I have felt this for months, and especially with the support I received at the US Open. I felt like I was truly home.
“For that reason, as well as my recent approval for permanent residency, I’m so excited to represent the red, white, and blue of USA across WNT events as well as Team USA at the Mosconi Cup. I can’t wait to head to London in December and join up with Jeremy and Skyler – let’s go USA!”
Following confirmation of his qualification, David Alcaide said: “At the start of every season, me and Francisco aim for the Mosconi Cup. With only three players getting in from the rankings, for me and Fran to be the first is an amazing feeling.
“The event is on a different level to everything else. I have never felt pressure like it before in my life. It is a dream for every player to play in the Mosconi Cup.
“30 years of this special tournament promises to be bigger than ever. I hope to see as many Spanish fans in London as possible!”
The Mosconi Cup takes place at Alexandra Palace, London, between 6-9 December 2023, live on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom & Ireland and DAZN in the United States. Tickets are still available and can be purchased here.
Two further players will qualify on the completion of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship, with Captain Picks to follow shortly after.
It features some of the best pool players from both Europe and the United States, and with the addition of Fedor Gorst to the American roster, this year's event promises to be more exciting than ever.
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