ISTANBUL/CAPPADOCIA - The transfer made by Dani Sánchez and Semih Sayginer, two world top players to the PBA has been announced few days ago. Murat Naci Coklu, the former World Championship number two at UMB, also signed a three-year contract these days. The Turkish player has opted for a new challenge, leaving for longer periods to South Korea with his wife Emel and looking forward to the new professional adventure.
Kozoom spoke to Murat Naci and Emel about the important move to the Korean professional league, leaving UMB.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: So both of you have made your decision now and announced the transfer to PBA? Was it difficult to decide?
Murat Naci: Yes, of course it was difficult. It changes our whole life. We leave everything, especially my whole billiards career. We had to think very long to make this decision.
Kozoom/FB: What has been the main motive for you?
Murat Naci: The professional move in my career and merits play a big role. I am no longer in a preferred position in the UMB rankings and I’m aware that it will take time and effort to rise again. I also have to think about our future. Everyone wants to live a comfortable life.
Kozoom/FB: For how many years did you sign, at least how long do you plan to stay in South Korea?
Murat Naci: We signed a contract for three years. I will try to do everything I can to perform well during this period. If everything goes well, of course, I want to continue after three years.
Kozoom/FB: You’re also leaving lots of things behind: no more World campionships, no European championships, no World Cups, many friends. Does that hurt?
Murat Naci: I have been playing billiards for almost 30 years. I had many successes, both individually and for teams. Of course it is not easy to leave that behind, but it’s necessary to keep up. We are professional athletes, our job is to adapt to opportunities and possibilities.
Kozoom/FB: How will you go into the PBA league: staying in South Korea a lot or travelling up and down a lot?
Murat Naci: Based on last year's schedules, it looks like we will be in South Korea for a long time. We don't know the calendar for this season yet. I’m going with my wife Emel. Always together, everywhere is our home. Doesn't matter, in Istanbul or Seoul.
Kozoom/FB How exciting is the new challenge?
Murat Naci: Definitely, it is very exciting, I am going to play in a new billiard arena and environment, but I think it will be more fun. From what I've seen on the YouTube channel, the atmosphere is very good.
Kozoom/FB Do you think you feel at home in that new entourage with lots of show and glitter together with wonderful billiards?
Murat Naci: I’m a professional player, new billiards rules and a new environment may change something, but it is my job to adapt to the new challenge there. It might seem a bit different at the start, but I don't think it will take much time to get used to it. I know I will be very happy in the country where I’m going to, I have very dear friends there.
Kozoom/FB: Do you think South Korea is a nice and exciting country to go on holiday there, for example?
Murat Naci: Together with Emel, I always feel good in Korea. We have many good friends there. We like Korean food. The country is very safe, the people are friendly. So yes, I like Korea.
Kozoom/FB: What will it mean for Turkish billiards if so many players from the top move to the PBA?
Murat Naci: Of course it won't be good for Turkish billiards. But we have a lot of strong players in Turkey. They can easily represent the country, I think. We all see how the Turkish billiards federation led by Ersan Ercan is developing and progressing, how open they are to young people and innovations, and how dedicated they are working for Turkey and world billiards. Therefore, I’m not worried about Turkish billiards.
Murat Naci Coklu and his wife Emel will feel very soon at home in South Korea to start a new life
Kozoom/FB: And for you Emel? How do you feel about Murat's new adventure, how do you deal with that as a player's wife?
Emel: I have been with Murat for 19 years, we have been married for 14 years, I think I am pretty used to living with an sportsman. I have always supported him as much as possible, and I will continue to do so. A new country, a new life is exciting. I love my country very much, but I never liked living in Istanbul. South Korea is a very safe country, the people are very nice and good. We like Korean food. I'm happy we're going.
Kozoom/FB: You've already experienced the culture, will you get used to it soon?
Emel: I hope so. I love the whole culture, the country, the people and the food. Like Naci, I have many friends there. And we might get opportunities to see new places. So I don't think it will be a problem.
KozoomFB: Both of you are fanatic motor bikers in Turkey, are you going to miss that in Korea?
Emel: We will definitely miss it, but we can ride motorbikes when we get home. It has become a big passion for us. It also has something in common with billiards. Because, if you are in the moment, you are in safe. We have visited and seen many places. I hope we can ride our motor bikes for a long time to come.
Thanks Murat Naci and Emel, good luck in the new adventure.
Murat Naci and Emel: always together for Murat's career
Murat Naci and Emel, two fanatic motor riders, here together in Cappadocia