Since Darren was in Romania, I decided to took him an interview, also he gave many TV interviews on that week
Which was the most important victory of your career?
-Are you asking me about victories from tournaments? They were plenty, but I think the most important one was the gold medal I won at the World Games 2013, in Cali, Columbia, this competition is held once at 4 years. I played the final against Jung-Lin Chang. It was the most emotional victory, because before the contest our puppy Pixie died, it was a big loss for us.
What pool game do you like more?
- One pocket.
What format will be the best for 9-ball tournament/championship?
-The 9 ball on the spot, three balls passing the head string rule, race to 11, alternate break, double elimination until the last 32.
Do you had/have a coach/mentor?
- No, I never had a coach, but when I started playing, my cousin Andy Appleton, helped me a lot. He is a very strong pool player.
What a player need to win in world tournament, what quality is the most important to perform at high level?
- Strong mentality, good temperament, great all around game.
What cue, shaft you use?
- Predator Throne 3 butt with elephant ear wrap and unilock joint, a 314/2 shaft (12.75 mm) with Kamui black soft tip.
Note. Darren uses a Predator BK3 break cue, Predator Air II jump cue, 4x8 Predator sports case.
What’s the weakest part of your game?
- The break shot.
If you could choose any player in the world for a scotch double match, who will be the best partner?
- Karl Boyes or Ralph Souquet.
Who is the toughest player to beat in tournaments?
- Ralf Souquet.
Any tips for the beginners?
- Hard work, paying attention to the fundamentals, believe in yourself and the correct practice.
What's the longest session of pool (gamble / practice) you have played without getting any sleep?
- 15 hours I played one pocket, 5000$ per game.
What’s the most money you played for?
- 60000$, I played 8 Ball and won. Another time I played One pocket for 6000$ per set and gave weight 18-3, the opponent was a millionaire who loves to gamble. Of course I won
The most expensive cue you ever played?
-A 15000$ Predator cue.
How do you think, what region will have strongest players in near future? USA, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Europe?
- At the moment Europe has the best players, but in the future China will dominate.
Have you ever played Russian billiard/pyramid?
- No, I haven’t and never been to Russia.
Do you play video games?
- No
What place would you like to visit as a tourist?
- Las Vegas, Thailand or the Philippines.
What’s your favorite car brand?
- I like Aston Martin cars, I think they match to my temperament, but I don’t have that kind of money yet (laughs). At the moment I drive a Toyota Venza.
Favorite wristwatch brand?
- Montblanc
Here is on of TV interviews
http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Brasov/Stiri/Un+campion+mondial+preda+lectii+de+biliard
Pictures of Darren's cue and case
Which was the most important victory of your career?
-Are you asking me about victories from tournaments? They were plenty, but I think the most important one was the gold medal I won at the World Games 2013, in Cali, Columbia, this competition is held once at 4 years. I played the final against Jung-Lin Chang. It was the most emotional victory, because before the contest our puppy Pixie died, it was a big loss for us.
What pool game do you like more?
- One pocket.
What format will be the best for 9-ball tournament/championship?
-The 9 ball on the spot, three balls passing the head string rule, race to 11, alternate break, double elimination until the last 32.
Do you had/have a coach/mentor?
- No, I never had a coach, but when I started playing, my cousin Andy Appleton, helped me a lot. He is a very strong pool player.
What a player need to win in world tournament, what quality is the most important to perform at high level?
- Strong mentality, good temperament, great all around game.
What cue, shaft you use?
- Predator Throne 3 butt with elephant ear wrap and unilock joint, a 314/2 shaft (12.75 mm) with Kamui black soft tip.
Note. Darren uses a Predator BK3 break cue, Predator Air II jump cue, 4x8 Predator sports case.
What’s the weakest part of your game?
- The break shot.
If you could choose any player in the world for a scotch double match, who will be the best partner?
- Karl Boyes or Ralph Souquet.
Who is the toughest player to beat in tournaments?
- Ralf Souquet.
Any tips for the beginners?
- Hard work, paying attention to the fundamentals, believe in yourself and the correct practice.
What's the longest session of pool (gamble / practice) you have played without getting any sleep?
- 15 hours I played one pocket, 5000$ per game.
What’s the most money you played for?
- 60000$, I played 8 Ball and won. Another time I played One pocket for 6000$ per set and gave weight 18-3, the opponent was a millionaire who loves to gamble. Of course I won
The most expensive cue you ever played?
-A 15000$ Predator cue.
How do you think, what region will have strongest players in near future? USA, Philippines, Taiwan, China, Europe?
- At the moment Europe has the best players, but in the future China will dominate.
Have you ever played Russian billiard/pyramid?
- No, I haven’t and never been to Russia.
Do you play video games?
- No
What place would you like to visit as a tourist?
- Las Vegas, Thailand or the Philippines.
What’s your favorite car brand?
- I like Aston Martin cars, I think they match to my temperament, but I don’t have that kind of money yet (laughs). At the moment I drive a Toyota Venza.
Favorite wristwatch brand?
- Montblanc
Here is on of TV interviews
http://www.digi24.ro/Stiri/Regional/Digi24+Brasov/Stiri/Un+campion+mondial+preda+lectii+de+biliard
Pictures of Darren's cue and case
Last edited:
