Inside New Zealand Pool

We catch up with the 6x WEPF - World Eightball Pool Federation Champion, Mick "The Machine" Hill as he continues his tour of New Zealand.We discuss his coaching clinics, how coaching in Eight Ball has evolved since Mick first started playing, Mick's thoughts on the New Zealand team after his close 11-10 victory, his reasons for taking a break from the professional game as well as his upcoming challenge match against Tom Cousins.

Bret De Faria joins Alex and Simon to discuss all the latest NZ cue sports developments including the CNZ Island events, Shark Racks, the World Cup of Pool and a round-up of the Pockets results.

Matt Edwards joins Alex & Simon to discuss all the latest developments on the 9 foot table plus rounding up Superleague and CNZ.

Three time CNZ Junior National Champion, Shayden Mckenzie, joins Alex and Simon to discuss all the latest New Zealand cue sports developments.

Adam Lilley joins Alex & Simon to discuss Adam's win on the Pockets Pro Series, Simon's experience at the Levin Easter Classic plus much more.

Craig Steinmetz joins Alex and Simon to preview the upcoming Levin Easter Classic, CNZ Junior Nationals plus the Pockets Satellite events.

Alex & Simon discuss all the latest in NZ cue sports including various feuds involving Simon Singleton v Rusty Wheeler, Matchroom/Pockets v WPA/NZPA, and Marco Teutscher v Corey Duel!

Alex and Simon discuss all of the latest developments in the world of reds and yellows, CNZ, and the 9 foot table

In this episode Alex Stones is joined by Craig Steinmetz to discuss Craig's upcoming new tournament, which will see 16 of New Zealand's top players battling it out, and the challenges of playing pool under Covid. Craig also reminisces about his 2011 National Singles Title, his Pairs partnership with Wayne Tibbetts, as well as his dislike of slow play.

This week, Alex Stones speaks with the most successful Ladies Clubs New Zealand player of all time, Aileen Barnes, the winner of 24 CNZ titles including 4 National Singles titles.During the podcast Aileen discusses:- her rivalry with Lorraine Field- how she won her first National Singles without even qualifying- arguments and legal issues with CNZ- and beating former World Snooker Championship finalist Eddie Charlton.

This week Alex Stones catches up with the newest addition to the The Great Southern Knockout II; "The Gentleman" aka Neil Whalley. We explore Neil's cue sports background including: - competing on the UK snooker circuit alongside the likes of Peter Ebdon and John Parrott - coaching New Zealand's next generation of players - preparation for the Great Southern Knockout and who he wants to beat in the final.

This week Alex Stones speak with Bret De Faria: a winner of two Clubs New Zealand titles and one of the most knowledgeable people of the current game. In a wide ranging conversation they discuss; - the secret to his Pairs success with his brother Tom De Faria - who is the greatest ever player to have emerged from Taranaki - why Pairs tournaments should revert to Scotch - the greatest match Bret has ever witnessed - the manner in which the cancellation of the CNZ Nationals was communicated - who is the greatest player to have not won the CNZ Nationals - a review of the recent Levin Labour Weekend tournament and the NZPA 8 Ball Nationals.

Alex Stones speaks with KD Singh, the recent winner of the NZ Open Snooker Championship. During the conversation they discuss: - a run-through of the NZ Open - KD's early years playing in India - his thoughts on the NZ snooker scene - how to improve your game.

To celebrate the podcast's two year anniversary, Alex Stones & Mike Hayes are joined by our first ever guest on the show, Simon Singleton. During the episode we discuss: - recent tournament results including the New Plymouth Singles - Simon's experience at the World Cup of Pool and the influence of Matt Edwards - proposed changes by the WEPF to the 2 shot rules - some players we would like to see at next years Great Southern Knockout - changes we would like to see made to the CNZ Nationals - if Simon can ever overtake Phyl Wilkinson's CNZ titles record.

Alex Stones and Miguél Hayéz catch up with Theo Mullan, the brains behind the rise of online pool tournaments in New Zealand, to discuss; - the journey from humble beginnings to the recent POT THE LOT PREMIER LEAGUE - dealing with handicap and rule controversies - future plans and if we will still be playing online in 6 months time - Theo's coaching from snooker legend Harry Haenga - Mike's tip of the month.

As the lockdown eases off, Alex Stones and Mike Hayes are joined by Scott Kotoul to discuss; - a preview of the (hopefully) upcoming Chch Interclub season - the ingredients required for a successful pool team - how clubs can financially survive - the latest CNZ rankings - the rise of online tournaments - Mike's tip of the month

In part two we count down the top 10 all-time CNZ 8 Ball players. Alex Stones & Graeme Watson discuss the achievements of legends such as Phyl Wilkinson & Des Blair, whilst Mike Hayes declares his brotherly love for Brent Wells.

After compiling results from the CNZ Open tournaments from the 1970s through to the present day, we countdown the top 20 NZ 8 Ball players of all time! In the first of a two-part special, Alex Stones, Mike Hays & Graeme Watson discuss positions 20th to 10th. Along the way they discuss legends of the game including Marlo Chanfoon, Bruce Wilkinson as well as the late Stan Maffey.

With New Zealand in lockdown, Alex Stones & Mike Hayes discuss all of the latest news & developments in the pool community including; - the decision by Clubs New Zealand to suspend tournaments - how to stay sharp pool-wise during the lockdown (as borrowed from the Cue It Up Billiards Podcast by Neight Mindham) and remain positive like Richy Whitty. - a review of the Great Southern Knockout Invitational including the rise of Des Wilcox and why Simon Singleton is so hard to beat in long races - a review of the recent BCA results - Mike's "Tip of the month".

With only one week to go until the Great Southern Knock-Out Invitational, Alex Stones catches up with Ceri Worts & Matt McInness to discuss their pool backgrounds as well as their preparation for the event. WARNING: this episode contains language that some listeners may find offensive.

This week Alex Stones speaks with Steve Denton: a multiple national champion and one of the players invited to play in the Great Southern Knock-Out Invitational event. During the conversation Steve explores his stellar 2015, his partnership with Ceri Worts, why Kiwis haven't managed to win the Superleague, what tactics are available in the North v South Island match, as well as his own preview for the Great Southern Knock-Out.

This week Alex Stones speaks with arguably the most talented young cueist in New Zealand, Adam Lilley. During the conversation Adam discusses his early years in New Plymouth under the tutelage of Kelvin Dunlop, the importance of his support crew, the experience of playing in the UK and Las Vegas, as well as a closer look at the players that Adam most respects.

This week Alex Stones speaks with one of the co-creators of NZ Pool Promotions, Adam Shaw. Adam explores his background as a 9 ball player as well as the motivations behind running the Great Southern Knock-Out Invitational.

As the dust settles at the Manurewa Club, Alex Stones speaks to Garry Simpson, the Tournament Director of the CNZ Nationals. During the conversation we take a closer look at the breakdown of those who entered, the tournament structure, the relationship between the control and the streaming table, why the semis and final were almost not streamed, and some of the decisions made at the AGM.

In the second of our preview episodes, Alex Stones speaks with tournament organiser Rodney Buck. During the interview Rod outlines the challenges of running the Superleague and CNZ Nationals together, why Clubs New Zealand should play a more active role in organising tournaments, and what it takes to win the title. Rod also chooses his favorites and dark horses for the CNZ title!

In the first of two special episodes previewing the upcoming Superleague and Clubs New Zealand Nationals, Alex Stones speaks with Darryl Chambers, Managing Director of On Cue. During the interview Darryl explains the history and challenges of his business as well as who his picks are for the Superleague crown and some possible changes to the future tournament structure.

This week Alex Stones speaks with Sullivan Clark: recent winner of the Oceania 10-Ball Championships and one of the hottest young NZPA prospects. During the conversation Sullivan describes his analytical approach to the game, his extensive work on the mental side of pool, as well as providing some insights into his future career goals.

This week Alex Stones is joined by Michael Hayes; coach, tournament organiser, as well as a top player in his own right. During a wide ranging discussion Michael recalls his early days playing out of the Hoon Hay Club, his involvement in the creation of the Superleague, his coaching approach and philosophy, as well as his plans for a new elite event next year.

After winning the CNZ National Women's title for the second time, Tatum Manning catches up with Alex Stones to discuss the demands of juggling family time with pool, the closure of the Pockets 8 Ball Club, and why Tokoroa has produced so many top players.

This week Alex Stones speaks with Mark and Samantha Cottingham, organisers of the Blackball International World Championships Australia 2020. Mark & Samantha discuss the origins and growth of Blackball, the size and scale of the World Championships, as well as looking at how New Zealanders can get involved.

Fresh from winning the North Island Championships for the second time, Des Wilcox catches up with Alex Stones to discuss his route to the title, his search for consistency, as well as the demands of juggling family time with cue sports

This week Alex Stones speaks with billiards legend Wayne Carey, a winner of over 125 titles and a 12-time New Zealand representative at the World Billiards Championships. Wayne discusses his achievements, how billiards is governed, and offers some thoughts on how billiards can become relevant to a new younger audience.

This week Alex Stones speaks with New Zealand's top referee, Barry Appleton. Barry discusses his route from player to referee to tournament controller, the evolution of CNZ rules, as well as some thoughts on how we can improve the refereeing of tournaments.

This week Alex Stones is joined by the Dutch professional player, Marco Teutscher, who has been recently dominating the Masse events. During the chat Marco outlines his journey to NZ, his achievements, and his thoughts on the upcoming US Open.

Ahead of their upcoming money match, Alex Stones catches up with Healey White and Daniel Cole.

This week Alex Stones is joined by the 2-time 9-Ball World Champion and former World Straight Pool Champion, Thorsten Hohmann, to discuss his Kamui Tour throughout New Zealand. During the chat, Thorsten outlines his tour itinerary and what people can expect at his boot camps and exhibitions. He also discusses the Mosconi Cup, the state of pool in America, cue sports at the Olympics, and a range of other topics.

This week Alex Stones is joined by the 5 time WEPF World 8-Ball Champion, Mick Hill, to discuss his upcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand. During the chat, Mick covers a range of topics including his itinerary for the tour, the standard of players in Australia and New Zealand, his favourite cue sport, different rule sets, money matches, Chinese 8-Ball, and a rundown of the top 5 players he has faced during his career plus much more. Finally, we test Mick's knowledge in our special Down Under quiz!

On Christmas Eve the New Zealand cue sports community was shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Gary te Hibbs, a much-loved pool and snooker player as well as a genuine character within the game. To pay tribute to Gary, Alex Stones sat down with one of his close friends and competitors, Brent Wells.

To celebrate the festive season, Alex Stones speaks with arguably the most consistent player of 2018, Brent Wells. During the chat, Brent discloses how he celebrates with his pairs partner Dean Garnett, provides some info about an upcoming money match with Brad Campbell, and reveals the real reason for those sunglasses on his head!

In Episode 7, Alex Stones sits down with Molrudee Kasemchaiyanan; professional 9 ball player and co-owner of Excellence Billiards. During this episode Molrudee discusses her early experiences of playing in Germany, the importance of technology in American pool, as well as a look ahead to her future plans for the coming months and year.

As the 2018 season reaches its conclusion, Alex Stones sits down with former England international as well as only the second player to have won both the Chartered Clubs 8 ball and snooker nationals, Bayden Jackson. During this episode Bayden discusses his early years playing in the UK and the transition to NZ, a look at etiquette at the table, as well as his thoughts on the future of the game. During this episode Bayden also openly discusses his ongoing battle with depression. All too often men in particular are reluctant or afraid to discuss their feelings. If you are feeling alone, anxious, or depressed, then please talk to a friend, family member or someone else within the pool community. A small chat can make a world of difference!

On the eve of the Superleague Nationals, Alex Stones sits down with its creator and pioneer, Brad Campbell. In this episode Brad discusses his reasons for starting the Superleague, the logistics of getting it on television, and his attempt in 2015 to change the Chartered Club rules to World Rules.

As Team NZ go hard in China, pull up a chair and take a trip down memory lane with Phil Brazier, the 1983 National Champion. In this episode Phil recalls with Alex Stones his journey from Taiwan to Tokoroa and everything in between including playing on the Sydney pub circuit and representing NZ at the 9 Ball World Championships during the 1990s.

In the third episode Alex Stones speaks with Matt Edwards; professional player, owner of Excellence Billiards, and an ambassador of the game. Matt provides insights into the game on the world stage as well as some future plans for the NZPA.

In the second episode Alex Stones speaks with veteran tournament director, Garry Simpson, about the events that have shaped Clubs NZ 8 ball tournaments and the changes that he has introduced. Garry also reveals his top 5 all-time players!

In the first episode Alex Stones speaks with the current Clubs NZ 8 ball National Champion, Simon Singleton, on his journey from playing snooker in the UK to pool in NZ, as well as his future plans in 9 ball and what changes he would like to see made to the way pool tournaments are run.