Mully Are You sure she 30???
This was wrote in 2008, see link below:
There are many interesting characters around. 1 particular LADY was very fascinating.
AKIKO KITAYAMA from JAPAN, who doesn't look 1 day older than 25 is 41,majored In Drama In Tokyo, against everyone's wishes, when female players are unheard of, started playing when she was 20. She used to slip out of her house, when parents & brothers were not looking & started playing pool. Asian Championship-Korea No.3 & Autumn Japanese open Winner-achievements.
Wanted grow & establish herself. Thru a good friend found a sponsor to travel to USA, to be there to play the Pool Circuit, which was the best with money, bade good buy to all, packed her suitcase, bought her ticket. In the farewell party in the night at 11 she gets call from the sponsor, saying, he had certain problems with Tax Officials & hence the deal is off. Heartbroken, she had to Choose, expensive USA, not so good for single, young female-Philippines or Vastly talented & scope to become professional player-Taiwan. Chose Taiwan, where they don't speak English & she no Chinese.
Mr.Tu president of the association, got her a player visa for WHOLE of 2 years, which was unheard of in Taiwan & 1 of its kind, which forced her to become a student of Chinese Language. Looking back after 6 years in Taiwan, she has no regrets. She started understanding the coach, people, culture. Enabled her to become a coach. With her astonishing looks, modeling enabled her to pay her way thru. She is testimony to, if there is will there is way.
What endeared her to me was, People make fun of my Sheffield Sticker - With thee I wed, on my cue case' when I asked her 'R U Married-she replied- "YES-TO POOL"
The above 2 can be inspiring storey to any one, any walk of life.
http://www.cuesportsindia.com/myweb/news/2008/n12.htm