Daryl Peach is definitely one of the most known faces in European pool billiard. The British former World 9-Ball Champion is a regular to all major events in Europe and has also left his footprints in several World events. His billiard career definitely gained its highlight when Daryl took the World Championship crown in 9-Ball 2007 in Manila, Philippines, where he, among others, managed to defeat Francisco Bustamante in another „Thrilla in Manila" on his home soil.
But who is the person Daryl Peach? Which other interests does he have? Which things does he enjoy, what does he hate?
We have contacted Daryl for an interview to try and complete the picture a little bit about this famous representative of our sports. Enjoy Daryl's open answers and his private snapshots...
Birth date?
8 March 1972
Plays pool since?
Part time from 1994, full time from 2004
Which cue stick?
Predator Throne5
Which break cue?
Predator BK3 with sport wrap
Which jump stick?
Predator Air2
Club?
I don't have a club nearby, but I have my own table in my house
Greatest achievement in pool?
2007/8 World 9ball Champion
Greatest achievement in life?
Other than my family which I am very proud of, I think my greatest achievement in life would be my Property portfolio that I have built from scratch
Married?
Yes, to Lesley
Children?
One angel called Ellie
Favourite music?
I literally like all types of music, from modern pop, to classical, to 80s electro
Favourite food?
I have to say I love my own cooking, and I do a mean traditional English Sunday roast!
Favourite drink?
None alcoholic is water, alcoholic is beer
Other sports interests?
I enjoy watching most sports on TV, but I play darts, golf, and tenpin bowling to a decent standard
What do you do to stay in shape?
I used to do very little, but over the past 12 months I've got into the gym thing, I now work out around 4 or 5 times per week to keep fit
Do you practise other sports yourself?
I practice snooker a little, mainly because I am very good at it and it helps my pool game a lot
Which tournaments/competitions do you play regularly?
I play all the eurotours, and as many GB9 events that I can, plus I aim to compete in all the WPA world events too
What do you do in between the tournaments?
When I have spare time I try to purchase properties in my own town that need some renovating where I can make a profit on them if I sell them afterwards, or, to keep and rent out as a monthly income
What makes you special as a pool player?
I don't know if it's special, but I am proud of the fact that I have been playing pool for nearly 20 years and I have been at the top of the British game from the start until the present day. I've seen many, players come and go, but not me hahaha. But seriously, with the amount of great pool players that have come from Britain, it's no mean feat to have always been in the elite group of players since I started playing
Where are your strengths in your game?
My main strengths are in my mentally positive attitude, obviously I have excellent pocketing skills because of my snooker background, but I believe the difference between being a good top player and a great top player is all to do with how mentally strong you are
Where are your weaknesses in your game?
I don't think I have any major weaknesses, the only thing I could say is that my pocketing is not as great as it used to be a few years ago. I don't know why this is, but I literally didn't used to miss anything at all, nowadays I miss the odd ball
Who is your role model in pool?
Earl Strickland!!!....just kidding hahaha. I have to say its a great friend of mine who unfortunately is no longer with us.....Lee Tucker was a super guy who I had lots of respect for as a friend and a player...he learnt me lots about the American game in my early years
Who was/is your coach?
I've never had a coach, I've always coached myself. This method doesn't suit most players, but it's always worked for me
How often do you practice? How long?
When the tournaments are coming thick and fast, I practice for around 90 minutes per day every day that I am at home (not at tournaments) I've found that too much practice can make you stale with the game, so just 90 minutes per day keeps me fresh for success
Do you have a set schedule for your practise?
I mainly practice the parts of my game that I am struggling with at that moment in time. I don't have any "set routines"
Which living person would you like to meet?
I couldn't say one person in particular, but any sportsman or woman who is or was at the top of their sport.....Tiger Woods, Floyd Mayweather, Lionel Messi, Mohamed Ali etc
Why?
Because I like to try and put myself around success....hopefully a bit will rub off on me hahaha
Which person from history would you like to meet?
Probably Cleopatra or someone like that
Why?
Mainly to so I could see what it was like back then in ancient times
Which pool player would you prefer to play doubles with?
If it was a British player, Darren Appleton or Phil Burford
If it was a European none British player, Ralf Souquet or Niels Feijen
If it was a World player, Chang Jung Lin or Dennis Orcollo
Why?
Because even though all 6 players have different styles and different amounts of experience, they all have loads of bottle in pressure situations, they all have massive heart, and they all know how to Win!!
Characterize yourself with three words?
Friendly, Talented, Punctual
What are your strengths as a person?
Unlike a lot of pool players, I like to listen as well as be heard, and I am not afraid to admit when I am wrong (although it's not very often I am wrong!! Hahaha). I am a good laugh on a night out (or at least my friends tell me that!!) I am a very positive person.
What are your weaknesses as a person?
I'd like to think I don't have any weaknesses as a person
Who is your role model in sports?
I would have to say Tiger Woods (on the course)
Who is your role model in life?
Without a doubt, my role model in life, and my Idol is my father....with him and my mum I wouldn't be the person I am today. And, if I can be half the man he is, then I would be proud of my achievement.
Which sport would you practise if you would not be a pool player?
Golf, or Darts, because I am already fairly good at them, and I know with practice I could be very good
Do you have a ritual before you play an important match?
I don't have any strict ritual before any match, but I do treat every match the same no matter how big or small it is
Are you superstitious?
No I am not superstitious
Which other pool player do you like as an opponent in a tournament?
Anyone who plays hard but fair, and of a similar pace to me
Why?
Because I enjoy a fair battle, I like coming out of the other end of a real tough match with a win
Which other pool player do you not like as an opponent in a tournament?
I dont like CHEATS!!!....they know who they are!!!
Which headline would you love to read in an EPBF press release?
"new £10,000,000 sponsorship deal for pool"
Which headline would you hate to read in an EPBF press release?
"The end of the road for pool"
Who is the most charismatic person in pool?
If I had to choose one name, it would be Lee Van Corteza.
Which information about you is special and not mentioned here yet?
Maybe that I am fairly good at any sport I try, I have always seemed to be able to pick sports up very quickly.
Also, that I play the keyboard (Piano) to a fairly good standard, along with guitar a little bit too.
And I have been told that I have a very good voice, when I do Karaoke I always turn plenty of heads (hopefully for the right reasons hahaha)
I am also extremely proud to be the owner of a very special 630bhp Nissan GTR
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in pool?
Probably losing my marbles against Earl Strickland live on TV in the Mosconi cup
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you in life?
When I was about 22 years old, I went out with my friends and drank way to much alcohol....you name it, I drank it, and the embarrassing part is the fact that I woke up in a strangers back garden lying on my back in the middle of their lawn with rain pouring down on me. I was about 4 miles from my home and didn't have a single penny in my pockets!!!
I didn't know how or why I got there, all I know is I felt like sh#%!!!
Thank you very much for these personal views of your private life, Daryl, and all the best for your future!