Gülsen Degener: happy to be back in my home land

ISTANBUL – Her radiance has not left her, as years went by. Gülsen Degener (44, born 25 October 1968) still draws spectators to the billiard rooms where she plays.  The Turkish player who has returned to her home country this August after having lived in Berlin for many years, is one of the sixteen competitors in the WC three cushion for ladies in Tokyo.

A Kozoom interview: ,,I went to see a psychologist, because I never play well against women.''

Frits Bakker: What a remarkable life change, to move back to your home country.
Gülsen Degener: ,,Yes, it is all new again, but I am very happy to be back. We have lived in Berlin for 17 years, after my husband found employment there. Even in those German years I was in Turkey often, especially in Istanbul where I have many friends. I kept playing tournaments there, and the Turkish championships. But now we are back, me, my husband and our sixteen year old daughter. I think it is a better place for her to live. She now goes to a German school in Istanbul. We live in Yesilköy, one of the prettiest parts of the city of Istanbul.''

FB: At last year’s European championship in Lille, you were not in the form we are used to seeing you in. It was a motivation thing, you told me. As there was no WC, you could not seem to get cherged up, you said. And we hardly saw you in the World Cups.
GD: ,,Yes, I felt like that, very strongly. I felt that women’s billiards was stationary, there were not enough tournaments. No organization could be found for a WC, which was demotivational. For me, it was a period of little play, little practice.''

FB: And now, there is a WC on the calender. Is this a good time to return to the top?
GD: ,,I am looking forward to it, but I have had a very busy period with the move and all that it concerned. A new home, a new life, a thousand things to get in order. It is very exciting, but these weeks have not been easy.''

FB: Did you prepare for this WC?
GD: ,,I have now had two weeks of solid practice. Ahmet Alp, a good friend of mine, can really inspire me. He calls me every few days to as kif I practice enough. I feel I have grown into my form, gradually.''

FB: What does that mean? Is Gülsen Degener one of the favorites for the world title?
GD: ,,I cannot say that right now, the competition is strong.''

FB: What will be your role in Japan? Will you be the dark horse in the race to the title?
GD: ,,I have to confess that I have difficulty playing against other women. It is bad enough that I have visited a well-known psychologist a few weeks ago, to get help. I cannot play against women, that is in my head.''

FB: Did it work?
GD: ,,I have only been there once, but we agreed to schedule more appointments. It has to do with tension, pressure, mentality and concentration''

FB: How is your current form? Have you played any tournaments?
GD: ,,My last tournament, a GP as part of the Turkish cycle, was not good. I ended third. But as I had won the other three tournaments, I became Turkish champion anyway. I did play very well in a tournament with men. I have no idea what to expect from this WC, really.''

FB: Who are the favorites?
GD: ,,The Dutch and the Japanese, from what I have seen of the averages played this year.''

FB: Good luck.
GD: ,,Thank you, I will try my best.''