Latina, 18.3.2000

Interview with Johnny Archer

EPBF: Johnny, first of all we would like to congratulate you to the second consecutive victory in the Euro-Tour. How do find the Euro-Tour?

Archer: You have good players. Especially a few of the younger players have improved a lot since I came to Europe the first time a few years ago. There are simply more and better young players - for example my competitor in the final match, a very good player. I am impressed!

EPBF: What would be the reason behind your repeated victories. You have so far participated in the Euro-Tour two times and won on both occasions?

Archer: Yeah, first of all one has to play good! I have prepared well ahead of both of the events, a lot of practicing, and then also played well. My break also worked very well - all in all it is a combination of a few different factors.

EPBF: When did you start to play Pool?

Archer: I started at the age of 12.

EPBF: How old are you right now?

Archer: 31.

EPBF: According to your opinion, was ever the background music at any one time too loud?

Archer: No, what I am concerned music will never be too loud. In America we are installing sound-systems around the tables and everyone enjoys that.

EPBF: What are your aims for the future?

Archer: Of course I would like to continue to be successful and make good money.

EPBF: Are we going to see you more often in Europe in the future?

Archer: I do hope so! I did go to England any number of times, for the World Championships in Cardiff and of course to the Mosconi Cup, where we had a lot of fun since the Americans also were very successful. I hope that I aside from these events will be able to visit Europe more often. If I will receive invitations to come, I will do my best in order to also accept these.

EPBF: Which one match in this event was the most difficult for you?

Archer: During this event the match against Mika Immonen for sure was the most difficult one. And of course the final match! The young guy played very well, but I do think that he became a little nervous. And, to play against Mika Immonen is always tough. He was ahead 7 - 4 before I could win the match by making seven frames in a row.

EPBF: What was going on with your elbow?

Archer: Yeah, it is not that bad. Perhaps a little overstrained. I have been playing Golf and Basketball before I did arrive here. Mika Immonen gave me some Tiger balsam. Before this I had no idea about it, but today it certainly did help me very much. It does not smell very good, which perhaps is why I did not have too many people close by today. The referee, Michaela Tabb, told me; "You are stinking!" I will see a doctor at home.

EPBF: All the best and good luck!

Interview with Nick van de Berg

EPBF: First of all our congratulations to your fantastic second place in the Euro-Tour. I do believe that this, in your relative short carrier, was your greatest achievement ever?

v.d. Berg: Yes, of course this is my greatest achievement so far. Before this I once finished third in a Euro-Tour event.

EPBF: Since how long are you playing Pool?

v.d. Berg: Five and a half year.

EPBF: What do you have to say about the Euro-Tour in general?

v.d. Berg: The Euro-Tour is well organized and there is a good prize fund.

EPBF: Did the music ever disturb you during the event?

v.d. Berg: No! You may perhaps hear it when you do miss a ball. However, at that time you just will have to get concentrated again.

EPBF: Which one match, according to your opinion, was your most difficult one?

v.d. Berg: I think the one against Thomas Engert, but also against Marcus Chamat it was not an easy win.

EPBF: Why do you think that these two matches were the toughest ones?

v.d. Berg: Both of them were very tight, ended 11 - 9. Against Chamat I was forced to play a kick bank-shot. OK, I made it, but if I would have missed I guess that he would have run out on me.

EPBF: How do you explain your success in this event?

v.d. Berg: Very, very much practice.

EPBF: What are your aims for the future?

v.d. Berg: I would like to be able to make my living playing Pool.

EPBF: Are we going to see each other in Bregenz at the European Championships?

v.d. Berg: No, I am unfortunately not qualified. I only came in second and third at the national championships and we have only six spots for the Netherlands.

EPBF: Who in your eyes must be considered the best player?

v.d. Berg: That is a question that I cannot answer at this point in time.

EPBF: Thank you very much and good luck!