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Allison Fisher, 11 time world snooker champion and winner
of over 50 WPBA events, is perhaps the greatest female player
of all time, and one of the most famous players in the
world. She sat down with us for some insight into her future
and the future of the sport of billiards.
Q: First of all
Allison, thank you for taking time out of your busy
schedule to do this interview.
A: Thank you very much for having me.
Q: Congratulations on your recent win at the US Open. Do you ever get nervous playing in tournaments or is it just routine for you?
A: Thank you. Yes I do get nervous but that's why I do
it. I love to compete and it is a great adrenaline rush.
Q: Do you still practice? If so, is there a practice routine that you follow?
A: Last year I knew I needed new motivation and a work ethic. I approached Charlie Williams and thought we would work well together. He offered to help and I have worked on every aspect of my game and added new improvements. It has been fun and motivating for me.
Q: Everyone knows you’re “The Duchess of Doom”. How did you choose your nickname?
A: I didn't choose it. Steve Tipton, the MC of the WPBA chose it. The reason for the name is to include some British royalty with what I inflict on my
opponents (smiles). Personally, I like to be Allison Fisher!
Q: Did you always want to make your living playing pool or was there any other profession that you considered at one time?
A: Well I always wanted to be a professional Snooker player when living in England growing up. Prior to that in my school days I leaned with becoming a physical education teacher. I loved any sports.
Q: What is your favorite game – snooker, nine ball, eight ball, straight pool – and why?
A: I will always love Snooker because it is a perfectionist sport and I spent my younger years watching and playing it. I loved transitioning to 9 ball because it was fast and exciting. I didn't like the luck factor though. I think Straight pool is a great game for concentration but I don't play it. I also enjoy 8 ball but don't play it. If there was a mix of events I would practice them but there is only so much time I devote to playing.
Q: You’re one of the few players that make good money playing pool for a living. But pool players don’t make millions of dollars a year like most athletes in the United States. Why do you think there is such a disparity in pay between billiard players and other athletes in this country?
A: It is a sad situation really. It is a sport played by millions of people and yet no corporate sponsor recognizes it in the US. I can't put my finger on it but I think one aspect is we have such a small TV budget that we can't afford to bring the player's backgrounds to life. For example, when I watch sport on TV i like to see where the person has come from and what makes them who they are. Then watch them compete. It brings personality to it and a human element that makes you connect. Like Snooker years ago before TV came along, pool has had a poor image. However, when you travel to other continents it is recognized as a sport and they have pool rooms in schools. It is respected and winners become heroes in other parts of the World. Right now the main competition is in China and we compete there several times a year. I just signed with Star table company and I perform many exhibitions on their behalf across China. It is a very exciting time over there for the sport. It is always televised with millions watching online and live on TV. They also have corporate sponsorship in all of their events. I think image is a big deal for the sport.
Q: What do you think it will take to change the sport into a profitable one for players and promoters?
A: Players need to realize their own value and what they offer as a package. Promoters need to treat players the same way. I think there are great opportunities out there but it needs to be run by professional people who know what they are doing. I would like promoters to be respectful of the 'package' and give back more and vice versa.
Q: Do you still teach pool to aspiring players? If so, tell us a little about your school and
what students can expect?
A: Yes I do. I have been focused on individual instruction the last 2 years but do intend starting group teaching again because I really enjoy passing on what I know. I have met some extraordinary people through teaching and have many good friends now. My goal when teaching is to give the student ways to fix themselves if they need it. I convey a complete understanding of the fundamentals/mechanics and then move on to all aspects of the game. I focus a lot on how to make things work for each individual. I now have an instructional app available from the itunes store. I am listed as the billiards coach in the Get in the Game products. I am involved with top athletes from their respective sports.
Q: Sorry, but we have to ask to standard question. What advise would you give to someone
wanting to become a pro?
A: I think the best thing is to work your way up through the ranks. Get good on a local level, then move to regional competition and eventually National events. I always spend time practicing my fundamentals and doing drills. This is important to maintain your confidence and mechanics. It is good to play with someone around your level and above for sparring purposes although I have never spent much time playing others. I just think it mixes it up a bit.
Q: You are a remarkable story of a great athlete, a legend, that stayed at the top of your
sport for a very long time, then fell into a 3 year slump, only to return back to the top.
That takes a tremendous amount of self discipline and drive that few athletes have. Truly
impressive. Was there ever a doubt in your mind, or did you always see it as a temporary
period that you were going to shake off?
A: Thank you! Of course there has been doubt as to whether I have had my day. I did think about those things but at the end of it all I love to compete. I knew that in order to have a chance I needed to up my commitment. I take care of my body and I practice with purpose now. Working with a coach helped me. I recognized I needed some help and motivation. I asked for help and I am enthused again. Charlie has really helped me out on many levels. I knew it would all take patience and I was. I want to continue to play well and be productive.
Q: Who do you see in the crowd of young female players as the next big name, the next legend in this sport?
A: That's tricky. There are very many good players now. I think the sport is very hard to dominate. The US has not seen the quality of many Chinese players over here. They are the dominating force right now and the top players are very young which goes back to an earlier question. They have more opportunities to play and it is a respected sport that is recognized at Olympic level. Unfortunately the US lacks opportunities for the youth to develop. In China right now Fu Xiao Fang and Chen Siming are the hot names. Can they dominate for years to come...we'll have to see. There are other top names that deserve a mention and top of the list right now is Ga Young Kim. She is a great all round player who will be around for a long time.
Q: In many sports, athletes will study an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses – tennis, boxing, and football, to name a few. Do you study an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses before a match, and play against those weaknesses? Or do you just go out and shoot without regard to who you’re playing against?
A: I think I am aware of the strengths and weaknesses but don't necessarily play on them. It is hard to do that in short races and a quick game like 9 ball. However, just knowing someone's game can give you insight.
Q: What do you like doing for relaxation after a tournament?
A: I have a son of 18 months and so when I get home I am back to being a Mummy and doing general things in the home. There is not that much time for relaxation any more:) But it is the most rewarding time in my life. After the US open i went on vacation back home to England and spent some lovely time with my family. For me the balance is so important.
Q: Losing focus during a match is what most players say costs them the game. Essentially they beat themselves. Is there anything you do before a match to help you get into the “zone”? Any mental exercises or does it just come natural for you?
A: It has always been natural for me. However, there are times when it isn't easy. I just try to stay hungry. Winning the most recent US open was like a first all over again. It was a huge win for me because it said all over again "I can". I proved a lot to myself.
Q: Following up on the last question - no matter how great the athlete is, there are times when you miss simple shots, or make several bad shots during a match. How do you shake it off to stay in the “present” instead of thinking about that bad shot?
A: You said it....shake it off! I always say that there is time after the match to live in the past and learn but not during. Of course, because we are all human it's hard to let go but you have to be ready to be back at the table at any given moment. If your mind is occupied on the negative it's hard to get back to positive. The bottom line is that in a match no one plays perfectly. Mistakes will happen it's how you handle them. So the question becomes how much do you want to win?
Thanks again, Allison, for taking time out of your busy schedule to sit
with us. We wish you the best this year, and hope that
2011 and 2012 are the best years to come for you.
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