Player Spotlight on Megan Smith: Nothing to Lose and Everything to Gain
June 30, 2010
Megan Smith at the JPNEWT tour stop at Primetime Billiards (Photo by John Yee)
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
Young people around the world are exposed to the game of pool on a regular basis. Whether through casual play at a club, bar, or rec center, many people have opportunities to learn the game… but very few have the ability to take the game to the next level. And to say that success and achievement in pool is hard-earned would be an extreme understatement.
For WPBA pro Megan Smith, pool started out as a way to show up the tough guys at a biker bar. “It was fun to beat those guys at their own game,” said Megan. “My girlfriend Dawn thought it was the coolest thing to do, so she got me a cheap cue and we started playing. I was eighteen and had never seen a table before. But within months, I really got interested in the game, and the love just intensified.”
Although she started from humble beginnings, Megan Smith (formerly Minerich) has become one of the leading American players on the WPBA women’s tour, and one of the most dominant female pool players in the Northeast. After having spent her pro career up until 2008 in Denver, Colorado, Megan has now returned to her hometown, Reading, Pa., giving her a chance to dig into the action in both the women’s and the men’s regional tours in the Northeast.
Reigning World 9-ball Champion Daryl Peach is Ready to Defend His Title in 2010: Exclusive Interview from Geoff Conway
June 2, 2010
Daryl Peach, 2007 World 9-ball Champion
By NYC Grind Contributor, Geoff Conway
One man who cannot wait for the World 9-ball Championships to come round in early July 2010 is Daryl Peach from Blackpool, England. Daryl, who won the prestigious title in Manila back in 2007, has had to wait until 2010 because of organizational changes within the governing body to finally get his chance to try and make it two in a row in Doha, Qatar, on July the 5th, the final day of the tournament.
Along with Daryl, there will be a plethora of World Champions both past and present, all trying to take down this title. You can read the press release with more details on this monumental event on AZbilliards. One man in particular will be the runner up in 2007 Roberto Gomez from the Philippines, who emotionally broke down in front of his home crowd, and was made to watch the trophy being lifted in the air by a jubilant Mr. Peach.
I asked Daryl during an interview in May at the World Pool Masters in Las Vegas just what his goals were for this year, and he said, “My main goal is to make this year’s Mosconi Team, and my results to date this year will hopefully make this possible. Of course winning back to back World 9-ball Championships would be the icing on the cake, and will definitely help me claim my place on the Mosconi Cup team.”
Below is an in-depth answer from Daryl Peach to my question, “What did winning the World 9 Ball Championship mean to you back in 2007, and how did it change your life in any way… and finally, what would it mean to you to pull off back to back wins in this discipline.” (Winning back to back has never been done in recent years.)
Read more
Unparalleled Allison: NYC Grind’s Geoff Conway Interviews Allison Fisher
May 13, 2010
Allison Fisher
“Duchess of Doom” is much more than a nickname for Allison Fisher. Since exploding onto the pro pool scene in the U.S. in 1995, Allison took the reigns on the WPBA tour, and kept a stranglehold over the competition for years to come.
Having laid claim to 39 WPBA tour titles and 22 World Titles, “How to beat Allison” became the ultimate goal of all women’s pool players around the world. However, much before her domination in pool, Allison was unsurpassed in snooker, and broke a number of records for women in the sport. Included among her accomplishments is the first-ever televised century break in snooker by a woman, which you can watch below, via YouTube… and it is awesome.
Read on for Geoff Conway’s in-depth interview to learn the latest news from Allison Fisher, who is currently in Las Vegas competing in the World Pool Masters.
Boyes Will Be Boyes: Ben Moore’s In-Depth Interview with the New World 8-ball Champion Karl Boyes
April 19, 2010
Karl Boyes en route to becoming the 2010 World 8-ball Champion (Photo courtesy AZbilliards.com)
By NYC Grind Contributor, Geoff Conway
I am of course referring to Karl Boyes from Blackpool, England, who last week won the Etisalat WPA World 8 Ball Championships, in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, (See NYCgrind.com coverage from last week) However, we would like to digress from this win to share with you an article written by Ben Moore for the UK’s source for 9-ball, www.Pro9.co.uk. Moore wrote a most-compelling piece in January 2010 outlining Karl’s goals that he saw in his immediate future, and also how he was going about achieving those goals. We are happy to have Ben share this piece with our readers.
The interview also drew out of Karl some very deep thoughts and his sharp insight into the psyche of both 8, 9, and 10-ball disciplines. Plus, Boyes shares his new fitness regimen that helped get him in shape. It is amazing to see how positive Karl’s perspective was in the interview, when he would make his dreams a reality a few months later, winning two world titles since the interview took place at his house in Blackpool, England.
As you may know, Karl was a member of the Great Britain team that won the World Team Championship in Hanover, Germany in February 2010, and now two months later is the Etisalat WPA World 8 Ball Champion following his win over Niels Feijen 13-12 in the Saturday final on the 10th April 2010, held in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.
We at NYCgrind.com congratulate Mr. Boyes on becoming a double World Champion, I look forward to seeing if his predictions of taking no prisoners at the upcoming Matchroom Sport Grand Pool Masters and the CSI US Open 10-Ball, both to be held in Las Vegas in May, will come to fruition.
Now sit back and enjoy the interview…
Player Spotlight: Pool Player Scott Simonetti is Beating the Odds
November 21, 2009
Scott Simonetti shows off his new mechanical bridge
Story by Jerry Tarantola, Photos by Alison M. Fischer
Veteran pool player and grinder Scott (Scotty) Simonetti has been one of the tri-state area’s strongest players for some time. Scotty is best known for his big break, aggressive shot-making approach, huge heart, and fiercely competitive nature. To those who know Scotty, they admire his fearless spirit and unique gift to never give up, no matter the score or the challenge he is facing.
Knowing Scotty personally for over 15 years, I have seen him take breaks in the game, and always bounce back by knocking the rust off very quickly. In my opinion, his uncanny natural talent for the game of pool is up there with some of the greats in the game.
It has been said that when the game of pool gets in your blood, you can’t stay away from the game for long. Scotty was never able to commit to the game 100%, due to focusing on his career, but it was clear that no matter what was going on in Scotty’s life, his heart would always be with pool. Scotty has followed in the footsteps of his father, and became a New Jersey police officer in the Belleville Police Department, where he has worked for 16 years, climbing the ranks to sergeant of patrol.
After having taken a long break from the game, Scotty came back to place fourth in an open Tri-State Tour event at Master Billiards with a tough field in March of ‘08. Since coming back, Scotty’s passion for the game has been palpable.
This is where Scotty’s story takes a very mind-boggling turn. Between March 5-6th this year, after playing at another Tri-State in Queens on a Saturday afternoon, Scotty caught a pretty bad roll.
Player Spotlight: Liz Ford Gears Up to Go Global at the World 9-Ball Championships
October 13, 2009
Liz Ford
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
With another New Yorker now having earned a spot in the WPA Women’s World 9-ball Championships at the JPNEWT qualifier, the USA will now have two ladies representing NYC at the Worlds in China. As we played a race to seven at Amsterdam Billiards, WPBA touring pro Liz Ford informed me that she had received an invitation to compete in this prestigious event. However, she also told me that initially, she was not going to accept this invitation.
If you’re from the New York area, you’re probably quite familiar with Ms. Ford, and may have even walked away on the losing end of a match against her. Although at first glance, Liz would not easily be pegged as a pool player, it’s hard to look away when she’s running out a rack of 9-ball.
And no, I’m not just talking about her good looks. Liz’s style at the table is one that I find really appealing to watch… as she moves around the table, she looks comfortable, yet deliberate, with a clear focus at the task at hand. She knows where she’s going and what she needs to do to get there. A consummate professional. And no, I did not win the match…
Mika Immonen Goes Full Circle… from US Open Champion to Galveston World Classic Champion: Exclusive Interview with Jerry T
October 7, 2009
Mika Immonen
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
The 2009 US Open 9-ball Championships is quickly approaching, and in retrospect, reigning champion Mika Immonen’s year has come full circle. Undoubtedly, “The Iceman” is currently one of the most dominant pool players in the world, and he reaffirmed this status with his recent win in the 10-ball Open at the inaugural Galveston World Classic.
A major win like the US Open can impact players in different ways, but Immonen’s landmark win at the ‘08 Open has indeed launched him into a higher standard of competition. With wins throughout the year at the Qatar Open, The All-Japan Open, The Mezz Classic, The Blackpool Open, and numerous regional tour wins, Immonen has continued to build his momentum, leading to a gritty win at Galveston.
However, Mika’s trip to Galveston didn’t start out so great. Prior to the World Classic, Mika had been in Portugal for the Predator International 10-ball Tour, where he felt a bit under the weather, and went directly from Portugal to Texas. He arrived in Galveston for the 8-ball Open event, but did not fare too well, falling to Francisco Bustamante in the first round, then to John Schmidt a few rounds later.
German Pool Champion Ralf Souquet Launches New Website Ralf-Souquet.com
July 17, 2009
Ralf Souquet at the 2009 Super Billiards Expo
One of the most dominant pool players in the world today, German champion Ralf Souquet, has just launched his new website, www.ralf-souquet.com. Currently, Ralf is ranked #2 in the world, according to the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association).
Undoubtedly, many would describe Ralf (nicknamed “The Kaiser”) as an unshakable competitor, who’s nerves never waver under the high-pressure of world championship pool. At the table, he keeps a stoic demeanor, not allowing emotions to rattle him.
Apparently, this approach has worked quite well for Mr. Souquet, as it is hard to find another pool player with a list of titles as long as his. I guess that’s what happens when you start playing pool at the age of six!
The level of consistency in his game is nearly unmatched. If you’re looking to watch textbook-perfect pool–turn to the Kaiser.
Geoff Conway: Profile of a Pool Junkie
July 14, 2009
Geoff Conway interviewing fellow Brit, Allison Fisher
By NYC Grind Contributor, Alison M. Fischer
The “pool junkie” Geoff Conway can be frequently seen sweating the pros around the New York area and beyond, and many people may recognize his distinct English accent (and humor).
We have been happy to have Geoff contribute as a reporter for NYC Grind, as he always brings a unique perspective and keen insight into the game that we love.
Click Here to watch his interview with Allison Fisher at the 2009 Super Billiards Expo.
I have always found it fascinationg to learn what brings people to pool, so I thought I’d learn more about how Mr. Conway came to be a “pool junkie.”
Read on to check out my interview with Geoff…
Interpool Open Champion Raj Hundal “The Hitman” Is Making Things Happen Around the Sport of Pool
June 6, 2009
Raj Hundal, 2009 Interpool Open Champion (Photograph courtesy of Uffe Bodell)
Professional pool player Raj Hundal “The Hitman” is making things happen both on and off the pool table. Along with his recent win at the InterPool Open in Sweden, Raj has taken part in an innovative ad campaign for Fosters beer which teaches viewers trick shots.
Raj Hundal’s family is from Punjab, India where his grandfather was a captain of the Indian Army. The Hundal family moved to the UK and introduced Raj to cue sports at an early age. He started playing the game around 6 of age.
Raj has a strong background in snooker, achieving century breaks by the age of 13 and winning local tournaments.
Coming up in pool with top UK player Steve Knight, Raj emerged as a pool player after falling in love with the game of 9-ball.
After turning pro in 2000, Raj has earned many titles including being ranked #1 on the UK Tour by the age of 23, winning five ranking tournaments in a row.
Raj is also the 2005 World Pool Masters Champion and helped his European team win the Mosconi Cup in Vegas.
I recently spoke with Raj about his victory in Sweden, and got the breakdown on this fun campaign he took part in. Check out the story for the details…
