ISTANBUL - The path has been cleared for the return of one of the most spectacular players billiards has ever known. The Turkish magician Semih Sayginer (49 years of age, from 12 November 1964) will make his comeback at the billiard tables after a period of seven years without official tournaments. The World Cup in Porto, Portugal, is his first performance with the world stars of three cushion.
The Turkish prince, with his miraculous stroke and brilliant solutions, who was only one time world champion (2003, Valladolid) and one time European champion (Porto, 1999), is a fabulous three cushion player and an absolute master in exhibitions. He didn't show up in the official tournament for all these years due to a long, drawn-out conflict with the Turkish federation president and the board.
The change of power, two months ago, has cleared the air. Semih Sayginer is preparing for a great comeback and longs for the new start. ,,I missed my colleagues, all the billiard fans and tournaments and I'm looking forward to meet them again.''
Kozoom had an interview with the Turkish star player.
Kozoom/Frits Bakker: We've missed you terribly in the World Cups and World championships over the years. How are you now, what have you been doing all these years?
Semih Sayginer: ,,I was doing things that I always like to do. The last six, seven years I was busy with music, acting, performing as a keynote speaker for companies, fitness and of course practicing billiards. So this period was very busy for me. I even put a play on the theatre where I tell stories. It will be on tour all over the country soon. But I always saw billiards as the most important part of my life. Because I love it so much...''
Kozoom/FB: Did you miss billiards and your colleagues as well?
Semih: ,,There were some little chances in those years that I could meet my colleagues in some events that I also participate, or when they came to play tournaments in Istanbul. We know each other for so many years and share lots of memories. Yes, of course I missed my colleagues and also playing tournaments in different countries to meet all the billiard lovers as well.''
Kozoom/FB: How did your life look like in the years you were out of the picture for the billiard world?
Semih: ,,Happier and healthier, but not because I was away from billiard tournaments. In this period, I had the time, chance and courage to start learning many other things that made me a better person and taught me how I should do my mind setting for a better life. But of course my life was still missing the most important part, compete in the official billiards tourmaments...''
Kozoom/FB: You've obviously watched international billiards, what were the most remarkable things from your point of view?
Semih: ,,It was normal and expected but still the level of the players was so remarkable.''
Kozoom/FB: Which players have surprised you and what has changed on top in your vision?
Semih: ,,The level of Vietnamese players. They start to play stronger and stronger. The Korean players were already so strong but now they start to change the top at this period much more than before. Many strong players appear lately and they will be effective for the balance of the World ranking in coming years.''
Kozoom/FB: How do you prepare for a comeback on the international stage?
Semih: ,,My preparation was just practicing as I usually use to do. But in this period, I additionally train my weak parts and shots in the game such as the long distance shots to get a better hit on the long distance object ball. Soon I will start to play some games and tournaments to get the playing rhythm.''
Kozoom/FB: Is the way for you to perform completely free, regarding the changes within the Turkish federation?
Semih: ,,Yes, but to correct something that people might know it wrong, I was not suspended at all during this period. It was completely open for me to perform with the former federation as well. But it was my decision not to participate and having any contact at all with those people after all what they have done to me and to the billiard sport in Turkey.''
Kozoom/FB: Is it possible for a high class player like you to quickly return to the top with so much lack of match rhythm?
Semih: ,,I have no idea, but my preparation and my new mind setting will help me to get over it, I beleive. I am positive and just want to come back to the arena to play and compete as I did before. I know that it is not so easy but I will keep on doing my best...''
Kozoom/FB: What are your plans for this year and next year concerning the tournaments?
Semih: ,,I will try to play as many events as possible to get my rhythm. Sharing good times and meet my colleagues and billiard lovers after seven years excites me already...''
Kozoom/FB: Did you receive a lot of reactions when your comeback was announced?
Semih: ,,Yes I did, all comments were so positive about that. That helps me to keep a better motivation for such a difficult period that I will face with.''
Kozoom/FB: What has changed in billiards in the years that you were away?
Semih: ,,The biggest change was the playing system in the official tournaments. No more sets anymore, but long distance matches in World Cups, World championships and Continental championships. That is the most remarkable change for me, because I didn't play it before in major official tournaments. When I started to play internationally, they only played with set system. The Porto World Cup will be the first I will play in my career with this system.''
Kozoom/FB: Will it change your life totally if you start playing tournaments again?
Semih: ,,Yes, it will change a lot, but I will continue to do other things than billiards as well. The only thing that I should consider is of course getting a better organised schedule. Because it will be very tight with all the things together and I will have to use my time very well to manage it.''
Kozoom/FB: Do you know how many billiard fans are longing for your comeback; how many people have been waiting for this?
Semih: ,,I could guess a little bit. But i realised it after all the positive reactions and comments in the social media from all billiard lovers around the world. They missed me as much as I miss them.''
Kozoom/FB: Is there a chance that you will play with teams in other countries such as with the famous FC Porto team?
Semih: ,,Why not? I did it for many years and I still love to do it. FC Porto is not just a billiard club, I really feel at home when I am there.''
Kozoom/FB: You were in New York last year for the Verhoeven Open, why don't you play this year?
Semih: ,,Just because I am in a very busy period. I would love to play there this year as well, for playing many games and good preparation, but my schedule didn't allow me. Maybe next year.''
Thank you very much for the interview, Semih, we're all waiting for your comeback in billiards.