Daryl Peach, World Champion!

Daryl Peach has become the first Brit to become the 9 ball pool world champion. The final match was an epic battle that went almost all the way, with Daryl remaining composed while his opponent, Roberto Gomez of the Philippines, wilted under the pressure in the final few racks. The match was played in Quezon City, with just about the entire crowd rooting for their man rather than Peach.

Could this be the turning point for British pool? After years of not being in the running, despite the huge amount of cue sports talent in this country, we finally have a champion. Even more remarkable, prior to the event this year no Brit had made it to the last 8 since Steve Davis in 2000, but the semi-finals this year featured two Englishman, Peach and fellow Blackpool cueist Karl Boyes. This year's astonishing run for the UK can only be good for the sport.

So congratulations Daryl, on a deserved victory, and well done both Daryl and Karl Boyes for flying the flag and doing Britain proud.

Daryl Peach

Personal Background

• Name: Daryl Peach
• Known as: "Razzledazzle" or "The Dazzler"
• Sex: Male
• Age: 35 years old
• Date of Birth: March 08, 1972
• Place of Birth: Blackpool, England
• Country: England
• Nationality: English
• Hobbies: Golf, Music, Darts, Eating out
• Spouse: na
• Sports: Billiard

Achievements:

• 95/96 World Masters Champion
• 95/96 Mosconi Cup Winner with Europe
• Over 50 UK titles won
• 6 UK ranking event wins in 2006
• 2006 EPT London Open Champion
• 3rd 1998 World Masters
• 3rd 1998 World trick shot Championships
• 5th twice in Challenge of Champions
• 5th 2006 World 8ball Championships
• 5th 2003 Dubai Gold Challenge
• 2nd 2005 Eurotour German Open
• 3rd 2005 Eurotour Austrian Open
• 3rd 2006 Eurotour Austrian Open
• 5th 2005 Eurotour Spanish Open
• 5th 2006 Eurotour Spanish Open
• IPT 2006 Tour Card winner
• 7th 2006 IPT American Open
• Winner 2007 Eurotour German Open

Trivia:

• He defeated Roberto Gomez to become the first English player to win the World Nine-ball Championship 2007.
• His favorite world player billiard is Earl Strickland
• He started playing 9-Ball because he got bored of snooker
• He's biggest money match is $4,000 in Florida against John Detoro

Daryl Peach is the New World Pool Champion

Englishman Daryl Peach beat Filipino Roberto Gomez in a race to 17 finals last night with a 17-15 victory at the Big Dome. He also took home the $100,000 cash prize. Gomez on the other hand, took home $40,000.

Peach lost to Matias Ercul of Slovakia (1-9) but eliminate Rodolfo Luat of the Philippines (9-3) and Lily (9-5) in the group stage matches . Then he eliminate last year’s champion Ronato Alcano of the Philippines (10-6) in the last 64, Lee Kun Fang of Taiwan (10-7) in the last 32, Harold Stolka of Germany (11-5), Francisco “Django” Bustamante (11-10) in the last 8 and Vilmos Voldes of Hungrary (11-2) in the last 4.

Before going to the finals Gomez had impressive wins against Neils Feijen of the Netherlands (9-6) and Dharminder Sing Lilly of India (9-4) in their group stage matches, then beat Alex Lely of the Netherlands (10-1) in the last 64, Chao Fong-pao of Taiwan (11-4) in the last 32, rematch Feijen in the last 8, Kuo Po-cheng of Taiwan in the last 16 and Karl Boyes of England (11-4) in the last.

The critical point in the match came in the 31^st rack with the score of 15 all when Gomez missed the easy ball no. 5. There was yet another further twist as Peach lost position going from the 8-ball to the 9-ball. That left a tougher shot than anticipated and he then missed a table-length bank on the 9-ball. But again Gomez failed to sink a crucial 9ball that would have kept his hope alive. Peach sunk the 9-ball to move to the hill, and won the next rack to become the 2007 World Pool Champion.

Peach's Hairline Win Over Bustamante's Heartbreak Loss

Daryl Peach felt the pressure of the unbelieving local crowd as he stared down at the last 9-ball and finally sinking it to edge Francisco Bustamante in their race-to-11 quarterfinals at the 2007 World Pool Championships. Only a few hands were heard clumsily applauding the Englishman's win.

Bustamante shook his hand, his head turned away.

The unnerving atmosphere in what should be a jovial occasion at the 9-ball tourney, was rooted at the previous rack which held up the match for the good part of 10-minutes. The issue - an alleged foul ball against Bustamante on what was a miraculous combination shot on the 3rd and 9th ball that would have given the Filipino cue player the shot at the semis.

Earlier in the match, Peach commanded over Bustamante as the latter committed costly errors at the pool table. Bustamante however regained his composure and with a valiant uphill climb, later takes the lead 9 to 10 over the obviously worried Peach. With just a score away from the quarterfinals win, a good soft break allowed Bustamante to proceed. A slight miscalculation after sinking the 2-ball stopped the white main ball at an angle short of a clear shot at the target 3-ball behind the striped 9.

This forced Bustamante to bank the cue ball on the rail which hit both the 3 and the 9-ball. With a good amount of velocity the 9 made its way to the corner at the far end and dropped in. The audience burst in jubilance. Peach however unconvinced called for a review. The television replay seemed to show the white ball hitting the 3 and the 9 with the 9-ball apparently moving prior to and faster than the object ball. Thus the foul was called by the officiating referee Nigel Rees and was upheld even after a second review called by Bustamante.

Peach proceeded to win that controversial rack for a tie at 10-10. At the next rack, Bustamante didn't even have to stand up. Peach won it 11-10.

But not without a homecourt crowd in eerie disbelief sharing in the heartbreak loss of their local hero.

Peach pairs up with Majid

Blackpool's Daryl Peach is hoping his combination with Imran Majid will help England pocket the World Cup of Pool.

Peach - who lost out in the Last 16 with partner Steve Davis in last year's event - is playing with London's Majid in Rotterdam, Holland.

Peach and Majid open their World Cup bid on Thursday 27 September against Poland's Radoslaw Babica and Mateusz Sniegocki.

They follow Hungary v Switzerland then Qatar v Finland which kicks off at 1500 CET.

Current holders Philippines survived an opening round scare with Scotland duo Pat Holtz and Michael Valentine. Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante lead the Scots 6-1 but they fought back before losing out 8-6.

The event - now in its second year - is promoted by Matchroom between 25-30 September.

Boyes and Peach book Last 64 spot

Blackpool's Karl Boyes and Daryl Peach have made it through to the knock out stages of the World 9 Ball Championship in the Philippines.

In his debut in the World Pool Championship, Boyes disposed of 2004 runner up Chang Pei-wei 9-6 then beat Serbia's Goran Mladenovic 9-4.

Qualifying was the perfect birthday present for Boyes - who was celebrating his 25th birthday - as his pre-tournament aim was to make the Last 64 cut.

Peach lost his first game 9-1 to Matjaz Erculj but then kicked in with a 9-3 win over last year's quarter finalist Rodolfo Luat and 9-5 victory over India's Dharminder Singh Lilly to qualify, too.

Peach is now up against the holder - Ronnie Alcano - on the main table while Boyes faces Sandor Tot.

World 9 Ball Pool Championships - promoted by Matchroom - 3-11 November.

Daryl Peach On the Spot

We put Blackpool hot-shot Daryl Peach - 2007 World 9 Ball Champion - under the cosh...

Facts

• Peach started off his career as a snooker professional
• He won the 1995 European Masters and was part of Europe's 1995 Mosconi Cup team that beat USA.

The pockets on an American Pool table are huge - is the game easy?

Pockets are larger than snooker tables for example, but in a way this makes the game more difficult than easier because how do you keep your opponent from the table? It's easy to pot balls and run the table when all the balls are there to be potted, it's when you can't make a pot or are hooked (snookered) for example that is the hardest part of the game to master. If it was so easy then why don't you see ANY snooker players playing and winning the big world events? Because its a myth about it been an easy game - that's why!

It's usually obvious when a snooker player plays American Pool. However, you look like a fully fledged shooter! How did you adapt from snooker to 9 ball?

Believe it or not I have reverted back to my old snooker approach a little because I have tried all sorts of things and at the end of the day you really should stick to what you know.

In American Pool - there are so many different disciplines. What cuesport game are you best at?

I think I am quite decent at most pool disciplines, I have finished 5th in World 8 Ball Championship and 7th in IPT 8ball event.

I have won numerous events at 9ball and I finished 3rd in the European Straight Pool Championships at my first and only attempt!

However, my real love is 9 Ball.

"I don't worry about other players - I concentrate on my own game! "

Daryl Peach

You won your first Eurotour event this year - the German Open. Did you ever lose belief in winning a Eurotour event?

I never lost belief in winning a Eurotour because at the end of the day I have only been playing on the tour for 3 and ³/₄ years.

You came through a tough field to earn a coveted tour card in 2006 for the International Pool Tour (IPT) which sadly has been a financial disaster. Financial problems aside - what did you think about the format of the tour?

I thought IPT format was superb...the best players always came through. If I had a choice I would make it 10 Ball though!

If a sponsor offered you a $1m to stage a tournament - what kind of cuesport event tell us what tournament you would run?

With $1m for an event it would have to be a world team cup with 5 players per team. Thirty two teams on Diamond tables held in Blackpool - the Vegas of the UK!

You've been top of the UK rankings for much of your 9 ball career. How have you kept motivated?

The reason I have been at the top of the UK rankings for ever is because I have kept my game improving by travelling to overseas events, and watching and learning from the best players!

What do you think makes a good coach?

Over the past few years I have done a little bit of coaching, and for pool I truly believe that knowledge of the game is 70% of what is needed to succeed. And I now have plenty of that along with a few more laughter lines!

If you could afford to have a coach travel with you everywhere to be on hand and help you with your game who would it be?

I think my best coach would be my dad because usually for top players the problems start in your head and my dad knows me as good as anyone.

Do you use the diamond system?

I do use some diamond systems but to be honest it's not just one system - there are around 100 systems. Some work for some players and others work for other players.

A lot of players are driven by rivalry whether it be friendly or competitive. Are there any UK players that have helped you play better?

I don't worry about other players - I concentrate on my own game!

American Pool is popular all over the globe - and much bigger than snooker worldwide. Do you think 9 Ball will take off in the UK?

All the time the game is getting much bigger in the UK and I even hear that there maybe a Eurotour event in the UK next year!

How do you cope with the lows of being a pool player?

I cope with the lows by thinking about my baby - looking at pictures of her always brings a smile to my face!

How will you feel if your daughter wants to play on the pool circuit?

My daughter will be what she wants to be...and both me and Lesley will be behind her 200%!

What do you blow money on?

I blow money on my family - boring I know but that's me! I like a sherbert or two as well!

Players spend fortunes on cues and accessories. Tell us about your must haves in your bag…

To be honest I think players get carried away with cues and tips, etc. I can play with a broom handle if the money is right! A natural!

Describe your best pool moment - and your pool nightmare?

The highlight of my career has to be winning the 2007 World Pool Championships and my biggest nightmare was not being picked for the team since - despite been at the top of UK pool for as long as it's existed!

I will be playing again this year though after the Worlds!

If you stop the tournament trail - what do you think you will do?

I have been getting into the property game for a while now and when, not if, I stop the pool game that is what I will be involved in.

Daryl Peach: 2007 World Pool Champion

Daryl Peach (England) won the 2007 World Pool Championship after he defeated Roberto Gomez (Philippines) in a race to 17 finals game held in the Philippines. It was the first pool title in England's history.

Date of birth: 08/03/72
Born: Castleford
Lives: Blackpool. He moved to Lancashire at the age of 14.
aka:Razzle Dazzle
Career Highlight: Playing in and winning the 1995 Mosconi Cup and winning his IPT tour card in Wert 2006.
Major Titles:1995 European Masters Champion Member of the Mosconi winning Cup team 1995

Introduction to 9 Ball:
A snooker pro but became disillusioned by it. Ranked just outside the top 200 in the world he found it hard to make a living. His friend Joe Walsh talked him into going to a 9 Ball tournament - and he won it. He quit snooker shortly after to take up 9 Ball.

Cues:
Custom made Viking butt and Predator shaft

Idols:
Snooker - Jimmy White
9 Ball - Efren Reyes

Coach:
Visited Derek 'Del Boy' Hill - Ronnie O'Sullivan's coach to sort his cueing.Razzle said:"He sorted out problems I was having with my action on his snooker table. It's the same principles as 9 Ball. He really helped me."

Club:
Rileys, Blackpool

Practice Partner:
He prefers to practice on his own. His practice is in tournaments.

Ambitions:
Win the World 9 Ball Championship

By far, Daryl Peach's greatest achievement in his 9 ball pool playing career to date is winning the 2007 World 9 ball Pool Championships in the Philippines.

Other Pool Achievements including 9 ball:
95/96 World Masters Champion
95/96 Mosconi Cup Winner with Team Europe
Over 50 UK titles won

3rd 1998 World Masters
3rd 1998 World trick shot Championships
5th twice in Challenge of Champions
5th 2006 World 8 ball Championships
5th 2003 Dubai Gold Challenge
2nd 2005 Eurotour German Open
3rd 2005 Eurotour Austrian Open
3rd 2006 Eurotour Austrian Open
5th 2005 Eurotour Spanish Open
5th 2006 Eurotour Spanish Open
IPT 2006 Tour Card winner
7th 2006 IPT American Open
6 UK ranking event wins in 2006
2006 EPT London Open Champion
Winner 2007 Eurotour German Open
2007 9 Ball Pool World Championships - World Champion

Vote for Daryl Peach for the next IPT Challenge Match

The IPT Challenge Match Viewers' Vote has entered its final phase and has been narrowed down to 50 players. In this phase everyone can cast five votes per day to decide who goes head to head in the next 8 ball pool Challenge Match.

World 9 Ball Pool Champion Daryl Peach really wants to be a part of it, so if you'd like to show your appreciation for doing Britain proud, or just for the fantastic entertainment he gave us in the World Pool Championships and Mosconi Cup a few months back, then register for free at the IPT Website and use your five votes every day until voting closes at midnight on the 11th April.

After registering, go to the Voting page, put a tick in the 'United Kingdom' checkbox and click 'Search' to quickly go to Daryl's name in the list.

Peach is the cream of 9 Ball!

Blackpool's Daryl Peach has pocketed the 2007 World Pool Championship after a nail-biting 17-15 win over Roberto Gomez.

2007 WPC

No UK player has previously reached beyond the Last 16

It could have been an all Blackpool final. Karl Boyes lost in the semi-finals

The Araneta Coliseum - where the tournament was staged - hosted the 'Thriller in Manila' between Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier.

Daryl Peach on winning World Pool Championship!

The 35 year old was crowned World Champion after an epic battle with Gomez which was 9 Ball's answer to the 1985 World Snooker final between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis.

Peach - who has never got beyond the Last 64 previously - said: "It was just the most amazing match I've ever been involved in. In the end all I could think about was keeping my head still and making one shot at a time.

"It's unbelievable! It's just starting to sink in what I've achieved."

The final attracted the biggest crowd in the sport's history with over 5000 spectators and was billed as 'Superman v Lex Luther' - as local favourite Gomez's nickname is Superman.

Almost all of the crowd were behind the Filipino and Peach showed nerves of steel to come back from 15-12 and run the last five racks especially as some of his supporters were clapping Peach's mistakes.

Peach said: "It was hostile at times but I tried to just block it out and play my own game."

Neither player managed to hit the type of form they produced on their route to the final but the drama more than made up for it.

After blowing an early 8-3 lead, Peach stayed close to Gomez, with neither ever being more than two racks ahead.

"You never really think you are going to win the World Championship."

Daryl Peach

Gomez, 29, opened up a three rack lead though when he ran out the 27th rack and was just two racks from the World crown. The Filipino seemed to have got over his nerves and finally looked like the player that had bulldozed his way into the final.

However, Peach refused to be beaten and he finished the victor of a tremendous safety battle in the 28th rack which proved the turning point of the match.

Peach - who practices in Rileys Blackpool - ran out from the break in the next to level the scores.

Both players missed at 15-15 before Peach had his chance to close out the rack. He was always out of position but left himself a horrible shot on the 9 ball which failed to drop after a table length bank.

It was a relatively straight forward 9 for Gomez but he looked terrified as he reluctantly walked to the table to take his shot. The pressure of the expectant crowd was too much and he threw his cue at it. The pure pressure miss will no doubt haunt Gomez for the rest of his life - but Peach sprung out of his seat grateful of getting back to the table. He sank the 9 to reach the hill.

Peach closed out the match with a banked 1 ball into the centre pocket to set up his match-winning run-out.

He said: "I haven't got the most ability and there are lots of players with more talent than me but I just used my head and tried to focus on what I've got.

"It was probably the worst match I've played since the start of the tournament and the pressure for both of us was immense.

"I always knew I had a strong mind and the will to win.

"You never really think you are going to win the World Championship. I dreamt it but when it comes around you have to grab it with both hands and luckily I did exactly that."

Peach who picks up $100, 000 for the win dedicated his win to fiancee Lesley, baby daughter Ellie and his mum and dad who were all on tenterhooks back in the UK.

Blackpool boys take on the World

Blackpool has two players hoping to make their big break this weekend in the World 9 Ball Pool Championships in the Philippines. Karl Boyes joins Daryl Peach in the 128 man line-up after winning a qualifying spot in Holland.

The Draw

Group 12 - Karl Boyes
Play starts 4 November:
Mika Immonen (FIN)
Leevan Corteza (PHI)
C. Chang Pei-wei (TPE)
D. Tyler Edey (CAN)
E. Jeremy Jones (USA)
Karl Boyes (ENG)
Goren Mladenovic (SER)
Fahad Mohammadi (QAT)

Group 16 - Daryl Peach

Niels Feijen (NED)
Daryl Peach (UK)
Rodolfo Luat (PHI)
Dharminder Singh Lilly (IND)
E. Charles Bryant (USA)
F. Toh Lian Han (SIN)
G. Matjaz Erculj (SLO)
H. Roberto Gomez (PHI)

Peach received an automatic invitation in the $400,000 2007 World Championships courtesy of his number 3 ranking on the prestigious Eurotour.

Boyes came through a 61 strong field at the European qualifiers in Holland to book his spot in pool's premier event.

Peach is somewhat of a veteran of the big stage in 9 Ball - he won the European Masters back in 1995 and this year realised his ambition of winning a Eurotour event - the German Open.

Boyes is a relative newcomer in comparison having switched from English 8 Ball Pool to play on the IPT's American 8 Ball tour less than two years ago.

Peach and Boyes currently stand at 17 and 19 respectfully on the suspended IPT so Boyes has turned his hand to 9 Ball.

The Championships promoted by Matchroom will be his first trip to the Philippines - which is pretty much the capital of the sport.

Twenty four year old Boyes said: "It's a massive win for me - it's the biggest event in pool and it's in Manila. I watched it all on telly last year - so I'm really pleased to be actually in it this year!"

He added: "I've still got a lot to learn but there's no greater place on earth to learn than out there."

• World 9 Ball Pool Championships, 3-11 November