– Hi Raj, first at all, from bola-8.es want to thank you to accept this interview
– Let start!, At what age do you start to play pool?
17
– Your nickname is «The Hitman», what’s the story behind this nickname?
I was young at the age of 17 when I switched to pool from snooker and in my local pool hall at the time there was another player called Ali who said Raj I have to find a nickname for you. He said I look like a killer and when I walk around the table its as if I own the building and have a presence that he has not seen before. He named me The Hitman and it has stuck ever since 🙂
– what is the reason you always wear that kind of hat while you are playing?
Its religious and traditional, I am of Sikh religion and culture.
– Do you remember what was your first cue?
Yes, it was a limited edition Bear Cue with a 314 Predator Shaft
– It was a gift or someone bought it to you?
It was a loan from the great player Steve Knight aka The Knight Rider.
– What was the first tournament you played?
It was a UK ranking event in London on the Pro 9 Tour
– Do you remember what was your result?
I finished 3rd place and lost 11-10 to Daryl Peach with a house cue, I beat him around 15 times straight after that.
– What was the first tournament you won? What age have you got?
Same year the UK Champion of Champions, I was 17 and given a spot in the World Championship in Cardiff promoted by Matchroom Sport
– Do you like Snooker?
Yes my first love in Cuesports, but now can only watch when my friend Ronnie plays.
– What type of pool do you prefer?
Any rotation game like 9 or 10 Ball, as long as we play winner breaks.
– Who was the pool player you have always liked?
Fransisco Bustamente
– How many titles do you have?
Not sure anymore as I don’t count, you can get a good idea from my website
– In your opinion, what is the best result that you have obtained playing pool?
Winning The World Pool Masters
– What is your next tournament?
Turning Stone Classic in Verona, New York
– How is your training? How many hours do you train each day/week?
Training is solid, but keep it random as I don’t have a fixed schedule like a job. I like to keep it fun 🙂
– Who is your best friend in pool’s world?
Rocket Rodney Morris
– You make team in the World Pool Teams Championship with my idol, the best Snooker player in the history (for me, and for a lot of people), The Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan, How is playing with a player of his class?
I agree with what you say he is the best by far but on the pool table he is just average and if he wants to be a great pool player he has a long way to go still, we all have to pay our dues and he is a great sportsman and understands this and I feel one day he will take the challenge head on when he retires from snooker. Always when the Hitman and Rocket get together it’s an interesting time and crazy too as we are similar in many ways. He’s a cool dude for sure.
– But you lost 9-8 against Spain that year (Wales, 2006), …, He he he, What you think about spanish pool players?
Spain has many talented players these days and I’m happy to see this as its great for our sport.
– You played in Spain in the past, What you think about this country?
I love the country of Spain, the lifestyle and food and culture are awesome and my style of living. I always look forward to my trips to Spain 🙂
– What cue case do you use?
Poison 8×4 Soft Black Leather Case
– And the last question, What have you got in your case?
Poison Arsenic Rocket Rodney Morris playing cue with Predator 314 Shaft, Predator BK Breaker, Poison Jump Cue.
– Raj thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to make this interview, from Bola-8.es we wish you good luck in your next tournaments.
Thank you and anytime 🙂
* Photo taken from Raj Hundal‘s Facebook page, property of DjayCustoms Cues