The Crystal Rises: An In-Depth Interview with Kristina Tkach

The world of professional pool is brimming with immense talent, and one of the most promising rising stars is Kristina Olegovna Tkach, affectionately nicknamed “The Crystal.” Born in Russia, she has quickly made her mark on the global pool scene, winning numerous championships and garnering fans worldwide. Mark White, Predator Commentator, had the pleasure of sitting with Kristina for an exclusive interview for SPM Billiards Media. In their conversation, Kristina Tkach discussed her experiences, challenges, and aspirations in the world of professional pool.

Kristina recently played at the WPBA Fairfield Invitational and placed 4th! At the Predator Pro Billiard Series Alfa Coin, Kristina placed 5th. And at the Women’s Kamui World Championship, she won her first medal, placing third! In October of 2022, Kristina won the 14. American Straight Pool Championship 2022! In August 2022, Kristina and Fedor won the Scotch Doubles at the Texas Open! January 19th, 1999, Kristina became the 2017 WPA World Nine-ball Junior Champion defeating Korean player Woo-Jin Lee in the final nine six; she is a four-time European Champion, having won the Eightball event in 2016 - 2019 and the straight pool in 2017 and 2019.

Kristina plays with Predator Equipment; her playing cue is the Blak 4-5, the Break cue is the BK Rush, and her Jump cue is the Air Rush, and she loves the color black! Kristina has also been commenting on the Predator events; she is a natural behind the mic as she is on the table!

Early Beginnings

Kristina’s journey into pool began at a very young age thanks to her father who introduced her to the sport. What started as a hobby quickly developed into a full-fledged passion. Her natural talent was apparent from the outset, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to mastering the game. Tkach attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, who encouraged her to pursue her dreams and provided her with the necessary resources to thrive in the competitive world of pro-billiards. Kristina’s father has been her coach.

“I started because my dad took me to the pool room, and pool is a bit different back home because everybody plays Russian Pyramid, and obviously the Russian pyramid table is a little bit higher than a pool table and I was so short I couldn’t reach the table, and that’s how they decided I can try pool because it’s shorter my dad still had to build a platform around the table so I can walk because I couldn’t reach the table” stated Kristina Tkach in the Interview with Mark White.

Kristina’s father has been a very serious influence in coaching Kristina. Her father was a professional fighter back in the day. Kristina talks about her father, who fought Judo professionally, not boxing but Judo Krista states, “He was very good” He believed that you do something, you do it seriously; it’s not just for fun. With her father’s training and challenging practice, she won her first European championship at the age of around 16, which taught her that hard work pays off! Her father still plays a part in her training to this day, giving her advice and working on problem areas.

The Shot Clock Phenomenon

One of the most notable aspects of professional pool is using a shot clock during matches. Kristina believes that playing under a shot clock can significantly improve a player’s game over time. The shot clock can help players make better decisions and perform at their peak by preventing secondguessing and promoting a smoother rhythm. Though it may take time for players to adjust to the pressure of the shot clock, the benefits are apparent once they become accustomed to it.

Love and Pool: The Balancing Act

As many fans know, Kristina is in a relationship with Fedor Gorst, one of the world’s top pool players. While some may wonder if their relationship plays a role in their individual games, Kristina revealed that they prefer to separate their professional and personal lives. Though they occasionally practice together or discuss the game, they believe maintaining a balance between their relationship and pool careers is essential for their well-being and success.

Learning from the Best

Kristina Tkach firmly believes that playing against men has significantly influenced her growth as a player. She concurred with fellow professional pool player Kelly Fisher, who stated that playing against men can teach female players valuable lessons in decision-making and shot selection. Kristina has refined her game by watching and learning from male players and continuously improving her skills.

Life Beyond the Pool Table

Despite her dedication to pool, Kristina has developed interests outside of the sport. She is fascinated by psychology and has considered becoming a psychotherapist. Additionally, she is an animal lover and has a solid connection to a more spiritual path, practicing yoga and meditation as part of her daily routine. These interests provide her a well-rounded life and counterbalance her intense focus on pool.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Players

When asked what advice she would give newcomers to the sport, Kristina emphasized the importance of dedicating oneself entirely to one aspect of their game at a time. By doing so, players can ensure that they give each area the attention it deserves. She also stressed the value of personal branding, mainly through social media. By building a solid presence online, players can attract sponsors and fans, ultimately contributing to their success in the sport.

The Origin of “The Crystal”

Kristina’s nickname, “The Crystal,” was born from a Facebook poll she conducted in 2019. Fans suggested the name due to its connection to her first name and the sparkling, radiant qualities it represents. Kristina embraced the nickname, which has since become synonymous with her presence on the professional pool circuit.

The Future of Professional Pool

Kristina is optimistic about the future of professional pool, expressing her hope that the sport will continue to grow and gain greater recognition. She envisions more televised tournaments and increased prize money, attracting more players and fans. Additionally, she would like to see more opportunities for female players in tournaments and sponsorship deals. Ultimately, she believes the key to the sport’s growth lies in increased promotion and widespread support from the pool community.

Dreams and Goals

As for her personal ambitions, Kristina is set on becoming the world’s number one pool player. She aims to win the prestigious titles of World Pool Masters, US Open, and World 9-Ball Championship. As a fierce competitor and dedicated athlete, she is determined to work tirelessly to achieve these goals. While she has already made a significant impact on the world of professional pool, there is no doubt that she will continue to reach new heights in the years to come.

A Force to Be Reckoned With

Kristina Tkach’s passion for pool and her drive for success shines through in the interview with Mark White. Her journey, marked by dedication and hard work, inspires aspiring players and fans alike. As “The Crystal” continues to make her mark in the world of professional pool, her star will only shine brighter. With her unique combination of talent, determination, and resilience, there is no limit to what she can achieve. As the interview wrapped up, it became clear that Kristina Tkach is a force to be reckoned with on the pool table and a remarkable individual off the table. Her sincerity, warmth, and genuine love for the sport will undoubtedly endear her to fans worldwide for years to come. We at SPM Billiards Media wish her the best of luck in her ongoing journey. We eagerly anticipate the many accomplishments that lie ahead for this rising star of the professional pool world. So, there you have it, folks—an intimate glimpse into the life and career of one of pool’s most promising talents, Kristina “The Crystal” Tkach. As she continues to break barriers and set new standards in the sport, it’s evident that her legacy is only just beginning. Keep an eye out for this dazzling gem as she continues to shine and inspire both on and off the pool table.

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