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The pockets on an American Pool table are huge - is the game easy?

Pockets are larger than snooker tables for example, but in a way this makes the game more difficult than easier because how do you keep your opponent from the table? It's easy to pot balls and run the table when all the balls are there to be potted, it's when you can't make a pot or are hooked (snookered) for example that is the hardest part of the game to master. If it was so easy then why don't you see ANY snooker players playing and winning the big world events? Because its a myth about it been an easy game - that's why!

It's usually obvious when a snooker player plays American Pool. However, you look like a fully fledged shooter! How did you adapt from snooker to 9 ball?

Believe it or not I have reverted back to my old snooker approach a little because I have tried all sorts of things and at the end of the day you really should stick to what you know.

In American Pool - there are so many different disciplines. What cuesport game are you best at?

I think I am quite decent at most pool disciplines, I have finished 5th in World 8 Ball Championship and 7th in IPT 8ball event.

I have won numerous events at 9ball and I finished 3rd in the European Straight Pool Championships at my first and only attempt!

However, my real love is 9 Ball.

You came through a tough field to earn a coveted tour card in 2006 for the International Pool Tour (IPT) which sadly has been a financial disaster. Financial problems aside - what did you think about the format of the tour?

I thought IPT format was superb...the best players always came through. If I had a choice I would make it 10 Ball though!

If a sponsor offered you a $1m to stage a tournament - what kind of cuesport event tell us what tournament you would run...

With $1m for an event it would have to be a world team cup with 5 players per team. Thirty two teams on Diamond tables held in Blackpool - the Vegas of the UK!

You've been top of the UK rankings for much of your 9 ball career. How have you kept motivated?

The reason I have been at the top of the UK rankings for ever is because I have kept my game improving by travelling to overseas events, and watching and learning from the best players!

What do you think makes a good coach?

Over the past few years I have done a little bit of coaching, and for pool I truly believe that knowledge of the game is 70% of what is needed to succeed. And I now have plenty of that along with a few more laughter lines!

If you could afford to have a coach travel with you everywhere to be on hand and help you with your game who would it be?

I think my best coach would be my dad because usually for top players the problems start in your head and my dad knows me as good as anyone.

Do you use the diamond system?

I do use some diamond systems but to be honest it's not just one system - there are around 100 systems. Some work for some players and others work for other players.

A lot of players are driven by rivalry whether it be friendly or competitive. Are there any UK players that have helped you play better?

I don't worry about other players - I concentrate on my own game!

American Pool is popular all over the globe - and much bigger than snooker worldwide. Do you think 9 Ball will take off in the UK?

All the time the game is getting much bigger in the UK and I even hear that there maybe a Eurotour event in the UK next year!

How do you cope with the lows of being a pool player?

I cope with the lows by thinking about my baby - looking at pictures of her always brings a smile to my face!

How will you feel if your daughter wants to play on the pool circuit?

My daughter will be what she wants to be...and both me and Lesley will be behind her 200%!

What do you blow money on?

I blow money on my family - boring I know but that's me! I like a sherbert or two as well!

Players spend fortunes on cues and accessories. Tell us about your must haves in your bag…

To be honest I think players get carried away with cues and tips, etc. I can play with a broom handle if the money is right! A natural!

Describe your best pool moment - and your pool nightmare...

The highlight of my career has to be winning the 2007 World Pool Championships and my biggest nightmare was not being picked for the team since - despite been at the top of UK pool for as long as it's existed!

I will be playing again this year though after the Worlds!

If you stop the tournament trail - what do you think you will do?

I have been getting into the property game for a while now and when, not if, I stop the pool game that is what I will be involved in.

You get to pick Europe's Mosconi Cup team - who would you select?

My ideal Europe team for Mosconi Cup would be:
Daryl Peach (obviously)
Niels Feijen
Ralf Souquet
Thorstan Hohmann
Mika Immonen

If it was a UK only team - who would you pick?

Uk only team would be:
Daryl Peach
Mark Gray
Imran Majid
Darren Appleton
Karl Boyes/Raj Hundal

Build the perfect pool player...

My perfect pool player would be:

Best break - Shane Van Boening/Francisco Bustamente
Best shot maker - Earl Strickland
Digs in under pressure - Ralf Souquet
Best kicker (getting out of snookers) - Efren Reyes
Best temperament - Ralf Souquet/Efren Reyes
Best money player - Dennis Orcollo

If I could steal one skill from above it would have to be Efren Reyes' kicking.....he is a magician!