Ralf Souquet

Nickname: The Kaiser or The Surgeon.

Home town: Manching, Germany.

Date and place of birth: November 29, 1968 - Eschweiler, Germany.

Family: Married Illy (Feb '08). 11 year-old daughter Celine.

Wins / high finishes in last 12 months: '08 Derby City Classic 9 Ball Champion. '08 Paris Open 9 Ball Champion. '08 Gema 9 Ball Open Champion (Greece). 2007 Mosconi Cup winner.

Career achievements: 1996 World Champion 9-Ball, 2000 US Open 14.1, 2002 US Open 9-Ball, 2002, 2007 Mosconi Cup, five-time World Pool Masters champion (1994, 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2006).

Biggest disappointment: Losing in the finals of the 2005 European Championship (9-Ball) and the 2006 World 9-Ball Championship.

Favourite player: Efren Reyes.

Sponsors: Joss, Simonis, Gabriels, Seybert's, X-Breaker.

Co-sponsors: Q-Wiz, Stroke Sports.

Cues used: Joss & X-Breaker / Jump.

Hobbies: Borrusia Monchengladbach, music, cinema, table tennis, wrist watches.

Home pool room: Karo Double B in Ingolstadt, Germany.

Like about pool:  The variety of shots and situations at the table and every day you learn something new.

Dislike about pool: Playing perfectly but still losing the match, big pockets.

Occupation other than pool: None.

Describe yourself: Honest, upright, reliable, trustful, quiet, pedantic and a perfectionist.