10 Reasons why Ralf Souquet epitomizes the term “World Class Pool Player” to me

This article is the fourth of a monthly collection of the best writing on pool called PoolSynergy. This month’s theme is on “Fan Favorites” (your favorite player and why). Truthfully, this one was a no-brainer for me.

10 Reasons why Ralf Souquet epitomizes the term “World Class Pool Player” to me

1. For the obvious reason – the man can play a mean game of pool! In the last 30 years, Ralf has won more than 250 tournament titles.
2. 

   World Champion Ralf Souquet and me

   Ralf is a professional. He dresses like one. He conducts himself like one. His professionalism and integrity never wavers. Ralf is always the perfect gentleman. I’ve never seen him be rude, crass, or demeaning to anyone, not even joking with his friends.

3. They don’t call him “The Surgeon” or “The Kaiser” for nothing. He’s the surgeon for his precision when it comes to dissecting a rack. Every decision he makes is not without careful thought and consideration. He’s not perfect, but he’s rarely tentative or uncommitted. His stroke is deliberate. His movements are assertive. Kaiser is German for ‘emperor’ and for good reason. This suiting handle speaks volumes about his accomplishments and dominance in the world of billiards.
4. Ralf always tries his best. He never gives less than 100% to everything that he’s doing. That’s what has made him so successful. He’s a man of honor and pride.
5. Ralf is a master at so many different games. He has titles in 8-ball, 9-ball, 10-ball, and straight pool. He understands the importance of a complete, well-balanced pool game with a mix in various disciplines.



6. Even though Ralf is a world champion, he is never too busy to slow down and sign an autograph for a fan. In the event that he’s on his way to a match, he kindly explains that he would be happy to help them afterward. Believe me, even if he loses, he will STILL autograph something for a fan.
7. Ralf refuses to hit a ball on a bar table. You can call him an equipment snob or whatever you want, but this decision clearly has not hurt him.
8. Many people may not realize this, but Ralf is very hygienic. Not only is he incredibly meticulous (which is probably another reason they refer to him as ‘the surgeon’) but he’s pretty germ-conscious. He’s not a germaphob, but the man keeps travel toilet seat covers in his case. Can you blame the guy? He travels 10,000 miles across the country to play his heart out. He can’t afford to get slowed down by some bug.
9. Ralf takes every single tournament seriously. Though he is an admired figure and role model to most, he is a competitor first and foremost. He is selfish about his time before and between matches. He takes care of his health and his space. He walks straight to his table before a match with his head down. He’s on a mission. Between matches, if he has to play again soon, he has a snack if necessary or lies down. He doesn’t screw around or get distracted from his goal. When he has breaks, you can find him in the stands watching pool or at the coffee shop on his laptop.
10. A prime example of why I think Ralf is so great is that in writing this article, I emailed him some questions. Within a few days his responses were in my inbox.

Here are a couple of his answers:

What is your favorite game and why?
“I think overall 8-Ball is my favorite game because you need a lot of strategy in the game and you have to create an easy way to get over the finish line.”

How many hours a week do you practice? And what do you usually practice?
“I don’t practice that much anymore due to a very busy tournament schedule of around 35 a year. When I practice then usually some drills as well as working on my weak parts and the technique.”

Ralf is not only a world class player, but just an upstanding human being and role model. All these reasons and more are why he is my “Fan Favorite” this month. Share your favorites in a comment response.

I leave you with this oldie but goody:

This article is the fourth of a series of posts written in coordination with other pool bloggers entitled "PoolSynergy".
This month's theme is FAN FAVORITES.
To see others, go to: http://gailglazebrook.wordpress.com/2010/02/15/poolsynergy-volume-iv-fan-favorites/

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