by elliott west
Warren King is a former professional snooker player whose career spanned the 1980s and 90s. Hailing from Australia, King climbed to his highest ranking of 35 in the 1985/86 seasons and reached the final of the 1990 Mercantile Credit Classic at the infamous Norbrek Castle, where he lost to Steve James in the final, 10-6. I caught up with Warren and posed some questions to him to see what makes this fabulous player tick.
What is your earliest childhood memory?
“My earliest memory is my Mum taking me to school on the first day. she bought me a Kit Kat and six pence of wafer biscuits to get me there. it became a daily ritual”.
At what age did you first pick up a cue?
“I was twelve and on holidays and found a Billiards’ table”.
Who inspired you to become a snooker player?
“Nobody really, just loved playing”.
Who was your favourite and least favourite opponent?
“Played John Campbell a lot as an amateur and then as a professional player. I played Steve Davis, six or so times. We had a lot of close matches but he always got the chocolates”.
How has snooker changed since when you were playing?
“There are way more tournaments to compete in, China are heavily involved and there is more worldwide participation”.
If you could play someone in the modern era, who would it be?
Judd Trump
Who in your opinion is the greatest snooker player of all time?
Ronnie O’Sullivan
What is your funniest snooker memory?
“Probably a time when I was playing someone for money in the local snooker hall and given a huge start. It got to the point in the game when I couldn’t win and one of the spectators who had backed me, would keep adding reds sneakily to allow me to still be able to win. I also had lots of funny moments/times with Alex Higgins”.
Standard or Taom chalk?
Standard
If you could go back in time, what is one of the things you would have changed in your playing career?
“Nothing, (perhaps playing less Kaluki)”.
Is snooker a popular sport in Australia?
“I would have to say no, unfortunately”.
Do you still play and if not when was the last time you picked up a cue?
“Very rarely, I am the Vice President of the Billiards and Snooker Association of South Australia. we have a great facility to play here and I still love watching the game”.
Eddie Charlton played multiple sports, were you good at at any sport?
“Nothing stands out particularly, handy at a few things”.
If you hadn’t become a snooker player, what career path would you have followed?
“I was a Production Manager of a laboratory and stopped doing that to turn professional. I worked at the race track as a bookie’s clerk to supplement my income. I may have become a bookmaker with a friend with similar interests at the time”.
What was your highest break?
“My highest break was 147, made it in the New South Wales State Snooker Championships in 1994. I returned home to live in Australia in 1992”.
Who is the most famous person you have met?
“I met some famous sports stars, perhaps George Best and Maryanne Faithful, who I both met via Alex Higgins”.
What is you proudest memory?
“I think perhaps getting to the final of the Mercantile Credit Classic. My wife was in the early stages of pregnancy at the time. It provided me with the inspiration I believe. Also the maximum break, my best friend Gary Mares walked into the room when I was 2-1 down, asked me if I wanted a drink? He got me a lemonade and I made the maximum. I won 3-2 against Tom Lucas”.
What is your favourite snooker venue?
“The Crucible Theatre”
If you could meet Joe Davis, what would you say to him?
“Hi Joe, would you like a game?”
How would you like to be remembered?
“Someone who had a crack and enjoyed the ride”.
I would like to thank Warren for taking the time to talk to me and wish him all the best for the future, what a snooker player!
