Daryl Peach

Daryl Peach (born 8 March 1972 in Castleford, West Yorkshire, England) is an English professional pocket billiards (pool) player, who now resides in Blackpool, England. Nicknamed "The Dazzler," he defeated the Philippines' Roberto Gomez in 2007 in Manila, Philippines to become the first Englishman to win the WPA World Nine-ball Championship. The event was broadcast live in its entirety on Sky Sports, and was held at the infamous Araneta Colosseum, the very same arena where Mohamed Ali fought Joe Frazier in the "Thriller in Manila" fight. In front of more than 7,000 spectators, Peach held his composure under adverse conditions due to the extremely partisan crowds, beating amongst others, 4 Filipino Giants on his way to lifting the coveted title, including the defending champion, Ronnie Alcano, Francisco Bustamente, and Roberto Gomez. Peach held the title until 2010, where the tournament was held in Doha, Qatar, which was won by Francisco Bustamante.

Due to his success in the World Championship, he was called up into the European team for the 2007 Mosconi Cup in Las Vegas, Nevada, unbelievably this was an amazing 12 years after his only other call up. (The Mosconi Cup is Pools version of golfs Ryder Cup Where Europe take on the USA). Just as he did in 1995, Peach helped team Europe to secure the cup, along with team mates Tony Drago (Malta), Konstantin Stepanov (Russia), Niels Feijen (Holland), and Ralf Souquet (Germany).

Peach was also the youngest ever winner of the World Pool Masters at the age of 23 years and 3 months old. He has won over 40 UK a Ranking titles, over 20 European titles, and 3 World titles. He is also the only UK player to have held the No. 1 UK rankings, European tour rankings, and WPA World rankings. As well as the many titles that Peach has won, he has had countless high finishes throughout his career, the most notable being runner up Twice in the World Cup of Pool (2008, and 2015) alongside his fellow English team mate, Mark Gray. The World Cup of Pool is a scotch doubles event.