Darren Appleton Roars Back Like a Tiger

In 1998 Darren Appleton became the World #1 at English 8 Ball. Before that point in his life, he was interested in Soccer and Boxing. Then in 1992, he was spotted in a local bar playing pool with his brother and was asked by the owner to join and play in the local league. This was where it all began for Darren Appleton, and his career in billiards has grown, making him one of the most valued players in the game.

Darren Appleton is a professional pool player with an amazing career. In the period of 10 years since Appleton switched from English 8 ball, he’s won everything possible in the game, such as the US Open, a Gold Medal at the World Games, World Championships, the Mosconi Cup 7 times, and the youngest to be Inducted into The Billiards Congress of America HALL OF FAME to name a few of Appleton’s accomplishments. He is a multiple World Champion in every American Pool discipline.

Darren suffered a heart attack that almost got the better of him on December 19th, 2022. Kinga Rauk, his business partner, best friend, and manager, rushed him to the hospital after Darren told her he was not feeling okay, and once she got him in her car, he lost consciousness. That scared Kinga, and she probably broke every driving rule rushing him to the hospital. Kinga told me things became a blur once she pulled up to the ER and started screaming for help. Later Darren was transferred to another hospital that could give him the care he needed. Even when Appleton’s memory was not in full force after his surgery and on the mend, he would try to get out of bed and find his cues, which is part of the confusion that comes with stopping a heart. Darren’s will to live and his passion for pool have kept him alive, and he is now on the mend.

Since Darren’s release from the hospital and having had time to get settled back home with his two dogs, family, friends, and a new nephew, he has made major changes and decisions. Darren had recently announced that he would be leaving Predator after 16 fantastic years with Predator Cues. In a Facebook post, Darren stated, “After starting my American pool career with predator cues around 16 years ago, it’s now come to an end. We depart on good terms and hope to work with them in some capacity in the future. I will always support whatever they do. They have done more for pool than anyone else in the industry, and we all should be grateful to them!”

I asked for a quote from Darren Appleton, and this was his reply: “This year, I’m looking forward to getting back to full health. Obviously, I’ve had my problems recently with the cardiac arrest. I’m on the mend, hoping to be back to full strength, let’s say, April - back playing and traveling. It’s gonna be a new chapter in my life and a new chapter in my career, so starting that journey with the new sponsor is perfect. It gives me that motivation and the support, which is what I needed and what I’ve got from Tiger. I’m really looking forward to being successful on and off the table, and I will take each day as it comes.”

Tiger is proud to announce that Darren will represent more than just Tiger Tips! He received a package from Tiger Products, and it is official! Just check out What’s in his bag!

Cue: HD Series Model 2B with Fortis Carbon Fiber Shaft in LD (Shaft comes standard with the Tiger Sniper Tip)

Impakt Break Cue with First ever Carbon Break Shaft

Wings Jump/break cue

Tiger Chalk

Tiger Gloves- Both TG and TGX Models

Tiger X Bridgehead

Tiger Kimsah Bridgehead

Tip Scuffer/Shaper

Tiger Smoother

Tiger Xtension

Tiger Case 3x6

Tony Kalamdaryan sent a statement to add to the article on Darren and his new union with Tiger Products: “Darren has been a part of the Tiger family for several years now as we’ve been working with him in our Tiger Tip category. He’s always been the utmost professional and has brought so much to the sport as a whole. It felt like a really natural progression for him to join Team Tiger as an official Tiger Player,” said Tiger CEO, Tony Kalamdaryan.

“We are very intentional with whom we bring on as a Pro Player. We believe in the power of Tiger and our products, so when we do bring someone on board, it’s because we truly believe in them 1000%, and we know that they believe in our products 1000%,” said Tiger CEO Tony. “With Darren, we know the best is yet to come for him and are thrilled to be on this journey with him.”

Darren’s manager, Kinga Rauk, has also gone on board with Tiger Products, and she also got an amazing bag of Tiger Products! What’s in Kinga’s bag?

Playing Cue: Butterfly Series Cue | B-4O (orange)

Shaft: Tiger Fortis PRO® Carbon Fiber 12.00mm

Tip: Onyx

Break Cue: Impakt® SEV Break Cue with Tiger® Break high-performance shaft 29”

Cue tip - Icebreaker Jump/Break 13.00mm

Jump Cue: Wings by Tiger, 29.5” shaft Icebreaker cue tip

Case: Vintage Cue case 3x6

Since we are talking about sponsors, as everyone knows, Darren Appleton proudly represents Taom Billiards! Joonas added a few words to the article! “Taom Billiards will always stand behind their players, and we hope quick recovery for Darren; he is a true fighter” Kind regards, Joonas Ohtonen.

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz just won the World Pool Championship, and on DAZN after the game, Ruiz spoke up and said, “I want to dedicate this title for “One Guy; he had a heart attack last month, Darren Appleton.” He had a heart attack last month, He’s a fighter, and he’s an inspiration for everyone, so this title is for him.”

The billiard community is a close network. We see players play against each other, and when it all comes down to the nitty gritty after the game, everyone remains close and cares about the welfare of each other, remaining friends after the game. Competition is one thing, but after everything is said and done, they help each other and have great friendships.

I recently talked with Kelly Fisher, and here are a few words from her for Darren, “Darren is and has always been a great ambassador to our sport. Not only has he won most all major events and been ranked at the top of the game, but he has also done a lot for our game off the table… from coaching to running his own tour, fundraising, and now opening his own billiard store! This in of itself shows his passion and determination to achieve highly in everything he does!

Partnering with Darren a few times has taught me many things, not only on the table, but it gave me an insight to how much of a fierce competitor he is, with so much heart to win. He gives 100% always! He is a top sportsman and a true gentleman. Darren will help anyone if he can, and I am blessed to call him not only my teammate but my friend. I am so happy that he has pulled this terrifying time, but he is strong and has the heart of a lion!”

In May of 2022, in a previous interview with Jayson Shaw, Lyno Liu, Mark White, and myself. Mark White asks Jayson, “how good was it to play Darren Appleton in the final? I mean, you couldn’t right that, could you? Like two years ago, you’d never have thought you’d be playing Darren Appleton in the final of a big tournament.

Jayson Shaw’s reply was high praise to Darren! Jayson stated, “No, you know what? He has obviously had a tough time. Everything he went through with his mom, and you know his marriage and all that kind of stuff, you know, and he’s got to look after his dad and stuff. So, there’s a lot of stuff that went on, and you know, it’s hard to play when your mind’s not in it, and you’re half-hearted. He has always had that determination to grind and be a champion. He’s probably the most successful pool player. As far as winning big tournaments, he’s won every single tournament there has to be, World 9-Ball, World 8-Ball, World 10-Ball, Chinese 8, Olympic Games, Back-to-back US Opens, World Pool Masters, Mosconi Cups, ESPN Challenger Champions. He’s won it all. So, it’s all about just putting the time in and trying to get back to his best and I think he’s close to being back to his best. Yeah, it was fun to play him in the final, and it was good to see him back in the final, but I knew I could just pip him. I was playing really good myself.”

I asked Kinga some questions to get the word out to let the people know what Darren and Kinga have been working on and starting up their new business, “Dynamite Billiards.” If people need billiard supplies, they can help support Darren by going to Dynamite Billiards for their billiard needs. They can also go to Darren Appleton’s Go Fund Me Page. Emily Frazer has also set.

1. How did you and Darren meet?

Darren and I met over three years ago at GB9 in England. We crossed paths a few times in the previous ten years but never actually got to know each other. When we met in 2019, it was shortly after Darren’s mum passed away. He moved back to England, and around that time, he started renting office space which he converted into his private pool room. I was his first student in his new space in December 2019.

We stayed in contact, and a few months later, the lockdown and covid happened. Darren started recording more and more YouTube videos, and I offered my help with editing. It was very rough at the start, but in 3 years of posting videos once-twice a week and taking numerous courses, I think I got better :) It kept us busy and sane during the lockdown and all that craziness.

We got along straight away. Even though we come from different cultures and backgrounds, we understand each other and share many similarities, which lead us to become best friends. In January 2021, my husband and I moved to Sheffield (we lived in London for six years prior) and planned to do so for a couple of years. Sheffield is only about 40 min drive from Pontefract, where Darren lives.

2. Tell me about how Dynamite Billiards came to be?

After I moved to Sheffield, we started practicing a lot together. I also found helping Darren with pool-related tasks very enjoyable and easy. I play pool myself a little bit, so it is also my passion. Darren always dreamt of having his own business, so we started talking more about it how he sees it and potentially creating a company and working on it full-time. We’ve been slowly preparing during the year, but everything kicked off in October, just before Darren’s two months of travels to the USA, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. In the last 2-3 months, the idea was coming to life and became real when we registered the company, made a logo, and started ordering supplies.

3. What type of supplies will Dynamite Billiards be selling?

In a nutshell, Dynamite Billiards will be a dealer for other companies and will also have its own line of cues, merchandise, personalized accessories, expos, exhibitions, etc. For example, just a few of the products they will sell are Taom products and their Chalk. Other products they will be selling will be Tiger products, as they are both sponsored by Tiger. Kinga stated they would also be selling cues from companies like McDermott and maybe Peri and Jacoby, but nothing has been settled yet! There will also be other exciting announcements coming out here soon!

Darren hopes to bring on his own line of cues, but this will be coming in the next year and a half or earlier.

4. What is the main goal of the business?

The main goal is to popularize cue sports even more, and one of Darren’s big ambitions is helping and coaching the next generations of champions.

5. Will you and Darren also be offering to coach? Yes, most definitely.

6. How long before you see the business ready to open its doors to the public, and will it be just online ordering or a walk-in shop?

Definitely as soon as possible, but the focus right now is Darren’s health, so we will prepare everything properly and will launch very soon. Right now, only online, but walk-in is definitely in the cards in a few months.

7. What would you like people to know about Dynamite Billiards?

We want to create a space for professionals and amateurs to try the equipment out because that’s something that is missing. We look forward to opening the business and providing the best quality products and services.

8. With Darren’s medical leave due to his heart attack, how long will Darren be in recovery before he can play professionally again?

Hard to predict, but let’s hope he will be back and stronger in a few months.

9. With the current circumstances, what are Darren and your goals for 2023?

The main goal will be getting Darren back to full health and strength and constantly working on the business and growing it. Personally, I want to make sure he’s got a clear mind and no stress and he can get back on his feet as soon as possible, so I will make sure everything with business runs smoothly. I can’t talk for Darren, but I’m sure he wants to get back to practicing and playing big events as soon as the doctor gives him green light. I would also like to return to consistent practice since the pandemic; it has slowed down for me massively.

10. Kinga, how long have you been Darren’s manager?

It happened naturally; I started doing more and more for Darren, which eventually developed into a passion and a job as I’ve been in a pool environment since I was born (my parents own a pool hall). Officially I’m starting this month :)

11. What would you like the billiards community to know about Darren’s current situation and how people can help?

As most of the pool community probably knows, last month Darren had a heart attack, and his heart stopped for 45min and a few times more in the following days. His willingness to live and strong mind helped him get through it. There’s a long road ahead of him, but I have no doubt he will come back stronger than ever. The amount of support has been overwhelming. It would be amazing If people could support his business by spreading the word, buying his products, supporting his YouTube channel, or participating in the upcoming raffles. Darren’s brother Craig has set up a go fund page for him as he won’t be able to play and travel for some time, cutting his main income, so these donations will help cover his medical expenses and bills. If anyone still wishes to donate, that would be much appreciated.

12. Where do you see Dynamite Billiards going in five years?

We are starting small, but in the next year, we would like to grow the business and get more and more products and Darren’s line of cues. In the future, maybe some pool camps, exhibitions, and shows. The possibilities are endless, and we would like to keep some of them a secret.

15. What were Darren’s achievements in 2022?

2nd Place World Team Championships GB

•2nd Place GB9 Tour

•3rd place DCC One Pocket

•5th Placed World 10-Ball Championship

•9th Place World 9-Ball Championship

•2nd Place SBE 10-ball Players Championship

16. What were your achievements in 2022?

I took a step back as I moved in January 2022, and all year have been renovating the house, so pool was in the background. But near the end of the year, one of my dreams came true, and I got a table in my living room. In 2023 I plan to practice hard whenever I can, and who knows what can happen, especially with the coach I have!

Darren made an announcement on how Excited he is to join the Tiger Products Team! In his statement Appleton said:

“I’m delighted to join Team Tiger, probably the most excited I’ve ever been about any sponsor I’ve had before. I’ve had a great relationship with Tiger CEO Tony for a good 10 years and have always liked Tiger products. I’ve used Tiger Tips for years but never got the opportunity to play with their products full time until now,” said Appleton.

“Darren has been a part of the Tiger family for several years now as we’ve been working with him in our Tiger Tip category. He’s always been the utmost professional and has brought so much to the sport as a whole. It felt like a really natural progression for him to join Team Tiger as an official Tiger Player,” said Tiger CEO, Tony Kalamdaryan.

Follow Darren at: https://www.facebook.com/darren.appleton.9

Dynamite Billiards : https://www.facebook.com/dynamitebilliards website: www.dynamitebilliards.com

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dynamitebilliards

Darren’s linktree https://linktr.ee/darrenappleton

The website is under constructions and will be up soon but the domain is correct! Stay tuned to get your products from Dynamite Billiards!

SPM Media’s market penetration includes the professional billiards community throughout the world on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and of course www.sneakypetemafia. com. On average SPM Media has a combined reach of over 290,000 unique readers Monthly. We have the two Facebooks: Sneaky Pete Mafia Page, and the Sneaky Pete Mafia Family that you must join and become a member we have 12.7k memebers and growing daily.

THEY ARE READING IT SO DON’T MISS YOUR OPPORTUNITY!

2023 Spm Media Kit 2023 Spm Media Kit

Why SPM Billiards Magazine?

SPM Media, previously SPM Magazine, has transformed the Billiards Industry as a whole bringing a professional yet flashy images and focusing on celebrating, lifting up, and most importantly, Getting the stories on professional and Junior players, product reviews, companies, and locations. With a new, and ever updating website, you can expect your advertisement to be exactly where you want it, linking to your site, or product ensuring the most value. The Digital Magazine is going through some very interesting and unique changes, with plenty of space to advertise your product, service, or location, you can even use a video ad now!*

Follow Us

Here’s what some advertisers have to say about ADVERTISING with SPM Billiards Media:

“I own a printing business and service customers all over North America. I advertised my banners in Sneaky Pete Mafia for 6 months and was very pleased with the level of service that I received from Garrett and his team. I also was able to gain customers as a result of my advertising. I would highly recommend him and SPM for your advertising needs!” - Louie Campbell, owner Campbell’s Printing Service (

“I love what SPM has done to help elevate the sport for pool players and enthusiasts, keep up the good work, you’re making a difference!” Alberto Trujillo, Fort Worth Billiards https://www.facebook.com/ftworthbilliards/ https://www.sneakypetemafia.com/media-kit

2023

Advertising Rates 2023 Advertising Rates

AD

Rates for separate (loose or bound-in) advertising inserts contracted to accompany each issue are quoted based on size, number of pages, weight and frequency. Samples required to quote. Polybag inserts are available.

ADVERTISING AGREEMENTS

An Advertising Agreement is included with this kit for your convenience. Signed agreements must be faxed or mailed to our offic before being eligible for Agreement rates.

PRODUCTION COSTS Text and graphics layout, photography, match prints, etc., are charged at competitive market prices. Quotes available upon request.

Copy Requirements Copy Requirements

Trim Size : 8.25” Wide X 11.00” High or high-resolution {300 dpi} JPGs/TIFs/EPS/AI or In-Design. Please include all fonts and graphics. Email to MarketingDirector@SneakyPeteMafia.com. You can send larger size via YouSendit.com or Dropbox.com for free in order to bypass email size limitations.

STANDARD COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE: We cannot use home software, such as Print Master, graphics in MSWord, etc. Send all fonts & graphics with your ad or embedded in the PDFs. Text files: MS Word for Macintosh or Windows. Other word processor files accepted: Save as . rtf {Rich Text Format}.

Keep “live material” {everything other than background} a minimum of 1/4 or .25 inch {.635 cm} inside the trim size unless your design/graphic should bleed/trim.

COPY REGULATIONS: Sneaky Pete Mafia Magazine reserves the right to decline or reject any advertisement for any reason at any time without liability even though previously acknowledged and accepted.

PLEASE NOTE: The advertiser and the advertising agency assume liability, jointly and severally, for all content {including text representations and illustrations} of advertisements printed, and also assume responsibility for any claims arising therefrom made against Sneaky Pete Mafia Magazine. The advertiser and the advertising agency agree, jointly and severally, to indemnify and hold Sneaky Pete Mafia Magazine harmless from all costs, expenses {including reasonable attorneys’ fees}, liabilities and damages arising in any way from publication of any advertisement placed by the advertiser or the advertising agency.

Let the SPM Media Production Team take care of all of your advertising production needs for an additional fee! We offer an inexpensive and competitive monthly service fee for your businesses production needs or you can pay for each production service al-la-carte at an extremely competitive rate.