Hi Jasmin, is a pleasure to can make you this interview for Bola-8.es.
– Lets start!, How old were you when you started to play pool?
At my first attempt I was 3 years old but at the age of 6 I started seriously at the club of my parents. At that age I was finally big enough to play pool and hold the cue properly.
– What was your first cue?
Oh that was a long time ago. It was a cheap cue, I can´t even remember the name. It was nothing special.
– Who bought it to you?
I guess my dad bought me my first cue.
– Do you play Snooker?
Every now and then I play Snooker and I did use Snooker as practice in the past. My trainer and I had a few training sessions on the Snooker table. It was a lot of fun.
– What type of pool do you prefer?
I always loved straight pool and 9-Ball but I guess my favorite discipline is now 10-Ball. I think it is great that we finally have a discipline were the luck factor is not as big as in the other ones. In this discipline the one with the better performance will win.
– What was your first tournament?
My first tournament was a kids event in my hometown club.
– And your first trophy or medal?
I think at these kids tournaments I also won my first little trophy.
– And title?
I won my first title at the Carinthian Championship. At this event the best kids from my county Carinthia/Kaernten played. The next step was the Austrian Championship.
– Who was the pool player you have always liked?
I always thought that Efren Reyes is a true magician on the pool table.
– There is no doubt that today you are one of the best women pool players of all time. Did you think you will get so far?
First of all thank you. I thought that it could happen but I also knew it could go into a total different way. I guess I just focused on one step at the time. I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love.
– Number 1 of Wpa Pool, World Games Champion, European Champion, World 10-Ball Champion, Youth European Champion, Women’s European Champion, Player of the Year, What tournament of the few who still have not won you´d like to get?
Well one title I have been missing so far is the 9-Ball Women World Champion and this is definitely a title that I want to win in the future. I would like to win more world ranking events in Asia in the next years and hopefully a men event such as a Euro Tour.
– Do you know what is the total number of tournaments you have won?
Oh… I have won 26 European Championships titles (11 youth and 15 womens division), World Games Title, 7 WPBA Pro Tour titles, World Championship title and many Austrian titles.
– Always love trophies more than others, which are you most proud of?
I think it is the 10-Ball Womens World Championship title in 2010 because I have had a hard time before that event since I didn´t play good and then I fought through.
– In your opinion, what is the best organized tournament that you played?
There are many tournaments that I love to play. The events in the USA were always good and now the events in Asia show how much our sport has grown. Almost all the events are very professional and nice to play.
– And the most difficult to win?
I would say the world ranking events and world championships are the toughest ones.
– The great thing about pool is that it does not matter you are male or female, tall or short, fat or skinny, handsome or ugly, what really matters is the quality you have, but, what do you think of separating the pool competitions in men and female category?
Well I understand that sport was something that was always separated but when it is possible that men and women play side by side I don´t see why not. Sport is about performance and I like the fact that we have events in our sport that are open for everybody.
– Who is your best friend in pool´s world?
I have many friends in the pools world but I would say my coach Michael.
– Did you know him at the table?
Yes when I started playing pool;)!
– How is your training? How many hours do you train each day?
Well it depends on what tournament is next and how I feel. Usually we train 2 times a day all together 4 hours, then one hour mental training and 2 hours of fitness.
– What would you say to all those women who like pool but did not completed to encourage play pool for shame?
I would say define your goals, and focus on them. Believe in yourself and do what you love. Have fun.
– When not playing or coaching pool, how do you spend your free time?
Well I love to spend time at home with my friends and family. I love to watch movies, cook, and have fun with my friends. I love to stay fit and play tennis or go cycling. On a rainy day I love to read a book or have some fun with a friend in front of the playstation!
– What would you say to someone who wants to start playing pool?
The most important thing is to having fun and enjoying your time on the table. Then training becomes much easier. You should always focus on your goals and be patient because the way to the top is long and full of surprises.
– What is the next tournament you play?
I been in Manila/PHI for 2 weeks and now I am waiting for the 9-Ball Women World Championship to start here in Shenyang/China. Will see what happens.
– What kind of cue case do you have?
I have a Justis Cue Case. This was specially made for me.
– What have you got in your case?
Well my cues ;), extra shaft, my own chalk, powder if my hands are sticky, and a lot of stuff to clean my cue or repair it if anything happens.
– Jasmin thank you very much for giving us the opportunity to make this interview and know more about you, from Bola-8.es we wish you good luck in your next tournaments.
Your welcome!