MEDELLIN - The former PBA player Robinson Morales currently is staying in Colombia, where he attends a tournament, Feria de las Flores, organized by his friend Mauricio Aguilar. Morales himself is not playing, he's just a spectator and possibly he's able to assist in the organization of the event. ''I will travel to Pereira as well to visit my club and after that I will visit my parents in Manizales'', said the player, who finished his professional contract with the organization PBA. Morales will be allowed to play in UMB tournaments again from September 15 after the end of his suspension.
On the new facebook billiards page 'Barcelona Producciones', the PBA team champion spoke about his career, new sponsors, his short time in South Korea, his return to the World Cups, contacts with European teams and especially a striking decision: Morales wants to obtain a double nationality. The Colombian also wants to apply for Spanish nationality.
How does the tournament look in Colombia where you are now?
Robinson Morales: It is a very attractive tournament, with good players, good prices, good atmosphere.
The Master Club in Medellin is one of the clubs where pool billiard is also played. You even started your career there.
Robinson Morales: Yes, I started playing pool very young, when I was 10 years old, at small tables. I was inspired by pool and had the gift of playing pool. When I was 16, I started with three cushion. In the beginning, I did not like it, my height did not favour me. I could not reach everywhere at the tables. When I grew up a bit, I liked playing more and more.
How long have you played pool?
RM: Several years. I was lucky to become national 9-ball pool champion in 2000 in the city of Cali and then I travelled to Spain. That's where I developed my three cushion. Currently, I have two titles in my country: I won the national 9-ball pool and two national titles in three cushion.
How did your family react when they knew you wanted to become a billiards player?
RM: My mother didn't like it at first, neither did my family, unfortunately it's a stigmatized sport in Colombia because of the gambling and drinking. I was still a child. When they saw that I kept playing, that I had the talent and started winning tournaments at a very young age, they became proud of me and they liked having a billiard player in the family.
How difficult was it for you to be away from home during that Korean period?
RM: Billiards is a lonely sport, especially when you are a pro player. A lot of travelling, a lot of hotels, a lot of lonely nights. That was one of the reasons why I gave up Korea. I'd rather be with my family, my wife and my daughter than be alone for so long. When you are a pro, you need a lot of training hours, competing with the best, but when you win, it is a reward for all this sacrifice.
Is the Korean title with your team the most important in your career?
RM: Winning tournaments is always important, but Korea was something special. We played with four Koreans, Filipos Kasidokostas, the Greek and me, a Latino who is a bit rebellious. We went through a lot with the team afterwards. I look back on it with a lot of pride, especially because I made the last, winning point. I am the first Latino and Colombian to win in Korea, I will never forget that.
What does it take to be a good three-cushion player?
RM: The first thing is to learn to lose, respect your opponent, have discipline, sleep well, eat well, be calm, prepare yourself physically and mentally. You cannot lose control of the game. Billiard sport is very individualistic, we always want to be protagonists, but you can't always win. Life is not a championship.
Now you have another goal, to get Spanish nationality?
RM: I passed the exam, I succeeded in becoming a Spanish citizen. I don't know yet if I will play for Spain or Colombia in the future. I want to play where I feel good and where I don't have problems with federations, sanctions and things like that.
Are there any leagues where you will play in the coming season?
RM: Yes, I already have agreements to play in some second and first division teams in Holland, France, Germany and the National Billiard School of Madrid. My UMB suspension ends on 15 September. I'm looking forward to competing in the World Cups again when everything is back to normal. And when I'm back in Latin America, I can play the tournaments without any problems and enjoy myself.
Do you have a message for young people starting out in billiards?
RM: Billiards is a very beautiful and fascinating sport, which you can do for a very long time. I am 42 years old and I think that from now on, I can start enjoying my maturity as a billiard player. Billiards is a sport to train your mind, but you cannot neglect work and study. Unfortunately, billiards is very expensive in Colombia and we have the disadvantage of our money compared with the euro. Travelling to the World Cups is very expensive, but you must have the willingness and fortune to train and play. You only have one life. We have to enjoy what we have found a passion for.
Robinson Morales with the lady presentator in the Medellin Club