This interview with Ralf Souquet took place approximately two weeks after his victory at the 27th Annual US Open 9-Ball Championship.

AZB: First off, congratulations on winning your first US Open. When you pocketed the last 9-ball, we all got to see what has to be one of the biggest celebrations from you ever. What did winning this title mean to you?

Ralf: Thank you. It was one of my goals to win the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. After winning titles like the World Championships, Challenge of Champions, U.S. Open 14-1 any many other major tournaments, this was 'the one' that was still missing on my achievement list. It just feels great to be in that group of legends who have won this event.

AZB: Can you tell us a little about the experience playing in that match on PPV and all?

Ralf: I am used to playing in front of cameras as well as live TV but this one was different. Not because of PPV, but the fact that they changed the rules in between the games. Starting without a shot clock, then changing it to a 30 second shot clock with one extension per game. At the end, we had only 25 seconds per shot without any extension and that was brutal. You have no time to think at all, just take a quick look and make a decision as soon as possible. It turned out well but I didn't like it at all.

AZB: Now that you have a US Open title to your credit, what is your next big goal out there?

Ralf: In the following tournaments after a big win, you feel like you are being hunted because everybody wants to beat you. So first of all, I try to win whatever comes next. There are still a lot of goals to reach for. I want to win the Mosconi Cup with team Europe and be the World Champion again. I was close in 2001 but got beat in the finals. It would be nice to finish as number one on the 2002 IBC World Tour as well. A future goal would be to participate in the Olympic Games one day and win a medal.

AZB: Lets talk a little about your history here. How long have you been a professional pool player?

Ralf: I started playing as a professional in 1991.

AZB: What got you started playing the game?

Ralf: I started in my parents' pub in 1974. They had a 7 foot table and my father played already. He was the one that showed me the basics of the game for the first couple of years but he never pushed me to do it. I was just fascinated by the balls and really loved it from the start.

AZB: Considering everything that has happened so far in your career, is there anything you would have done differently?

Ralf: Probably not. Pool has always been my life and I am not trying to change that. I went through 2 divorces because of being away from home so often. That's the only bad thing about it. I would choose the same life again maybe without getting married. I love to travel, meet different people and see different cultures. If you can make your hobby into your job, what else could be better?

AZB: It looked early in the year as if you were struggling a little bit. You lost in the first round of back-to-back IBC events and finished in 33rd in Cardiff. All of a sudden, you went undefeated in two IBC events and then the US Open. Did you make any changes that would have accounted for your performance lately?

Ralf: I didn't make any changes. I just said to myself that this is not the Ralf that the people and I know. I had trouble with my concentration and didn't believe in myself. You need to be confident otherwise your opponents lose respect and roll over you.

AZB: Something that is very different between you and most other players out there is your dedication to your sponsors. Everyone does work for their sponsors but you really seem to go above and beyond the call of duty. Can you tell us a little about that?

Ralf: It is very simple. Without a sponsor, it is impossible to be a professional player in most sports. Joss cues, the Veith Corporation and Simonis cloth made it possible for me to go on tour for many years now and I am really grateful for that. Without them I wouldn't be what I am right now. To get a sponsor like mine, you have to be successful and present yourself as a professional. If a company thinks that you are the right person to endorse their product then they contact you. If the player likes the product as well, then there is the base for a good working relationship. It is always a giving and taking and not only a taking. That's what most players don't understand. The more you give the more will come back.

AZB: Most of us here in the states look at 9-ball in Europe with the Matchroom events and the Euro Tour and wish that the pool scene over here looked that good. You have played in Europe and the States, can you talk about the differences you see as a player?

Ralf: In Europe the sport is still very small and not as popular as it is in the US. The difference is that the knowledge of the game is much higher in the States. In Europe the sport seems to stand in a better light though, because in some countries it is recognized by the NOC. The fans are much better in the states but the dress code of the players is way better over here in Europe. I think we shouldn't forget Asia, because there the sport is by far more popular than anywhere else. You have great fans over there with a lot of knowledge and they treat you like a star. I think there is nothing even close to them.

AZB: What does the US scene have to do in order to get closer to what is going on in Europe?

Ralf: Without Matchroom it wouldn't look that good in Europe either. They are very good for the sport and know exactly what to do to make an event spectacular. I think the biggest problem in the US is that everybody works against everybody. The women are doing great for so many years now because they work together and for the sport. Unfortunately the men are fighting each other and for some reason can't be united. Most of them are individuals and not willing to fight for the same. But don't worry, we have the same problems here in Europe too.

AZB: Speaking of the Matchroom events, you are a regular competitor in the Mosconi Cup. Can you tell us about the experience of playing in that event?

Ralf: It is a totally different event compared to others. You play for your country, in our case for your continent and every mistake you make seems to hurt so badly. In 2000, after I lost a match against Shannon Daulton, I cried for the first time in many, many years. It's a lot more pressure for the players because the fans in the arena are pushing you all the time. But it's also a lot of fun and an honor to be part of it.

AZB: Any predictions for this year?

Ralf: I am not good at giving predictions but I want to win this year.

AZB: Last question, if a young player came to you today and said they wanted to be a professional pool player, what advice would you give them?

Ralf: I would tell him to think it over very thoroughly. It's not enough money in the sport yet to make a living. You have to be in the top ten and find good sponsors, otherwise you won't make it. If money wouldn't be a problem, then practice a lot, watch better players and don't try to imitate a player. Pick small things up from different players and build your own style around that. It is also very important to act professionally. Don't cheat, always be fair and upright, and fight until the end.

All photos courtesy of Pool Pics by Hoppe.