Pro9 - Europe's No.1 Pool Player Resource

DARREN APPLETON
SPONSOR: Yalin Billiards
SPONSOR: Predator Cues
SPONSOR: Nottage Design
SPONSOR: SEE System
PLAYING CUE: Predator 5K Series
Weight: 20oz
Shaft: 314�
Tip: Kamui Soft
Chalk: Master chalk
BREAK CUE: Predator BK 2
JUMP CUE: Poison and Predator Air combined
CUE CASE: Predator soft case
ACCESSORIES: Tip tools
ACCESSORIES: Chalk
ACCESSORIES: Towel and talc

Pro9 interviewed Darren Appleton before the Mosconi Cup, here's what he had to say.

Pro9 Darren, this time last year you announced you were moving to America, so before we talk about pool, can you tell me what it was like when you first arrived, where is your new home and what is it like? How does it compare to where you lived in the UK, and did you manage to settle in quickly?

Darren I settled in very easily to American life, mainly because of my amazing girlfriend Angie and her family making me feel so welcome. Life here is less stressful, more laid back, and it's easy to get around. Most of all, the pool is much better... there's more action and more tournaments. I am currently living in Allentown, Pennsylvania and so far, it's good. I still travel a lot so I pass and stop in England every other month. It works out great at the moment.

Pro9 What's the best thing about your new daily life in the USA? Is there anything you have missed not being in the UK, or have they got everything covered?

Darren The main thing that I miss is my family and UK television. Besides that, everything is great and I feel happy in America. I typically go to the gym, practice, play golf, shop... the usual stuff.

Pro9 It's been a full year now, have you been "living the dream" and has it lived up to all your expectations? Are there any negative aspects to living full-time in the USA, or any surprises you weren't expecting?

Darren There haven't really been any surprises. I have spent a lot of time in the States before. Like I said previously, I travel so much that I am not there as much as I would like. But yes, I am living the dream... the traveling can be tough but besides that, I am very happy on and off the table. I finally got my work sports visa so that's a big weight of my mind.

Pro9 I've noticed you have a new love in your life, both gorgeous and fun, please tell how and where did you meet Angie? Can she play pool? I can see she is really supportive when you are in competitions, does having a supportive partner make a big difference compared to being single? How does she react when you are playing the big money matches?

Darren She's the love of my life and I am so lucky that she's so supportive to me at home and when I'm away. Angie does a lot of my dirty work for me, for example, if I miss a flight or need to book hotels etc., she is great with things like that. She is very calm when she watches so it helps me to be calm as well, but inside, I know she's a bag of nerves. Angie has definitely made a big difference to me on and off the table. Yes, she is a lot of fun but she's also a little shy. She plays a little bit of pool for fun, nothing serious. I first met Angie a few years ago, but at the time she was dating someone. Last year, after the 2010 US Open, we started talking and kept in touch. A few weeks later, we met for dinner and we hit it off instantly. The rest is history, we get on so well. If you're happy off the table, it makes you stronger mentally. I truly believe this, and this year it showed in my results.

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