1/2 Marco Teicher at the World Cup. (Photo: KNBB Section Pond)
He has seen the inside of the plane so many times that traveling is no longer a problem for him. Pool billiards player Marco Deutscher (32) has lived in New Zealand for more than six years but still represents the Netherlands during tournaments. The Eindhoven resident is having a great time on the other side of the world. “It might be a better place to live.”
When we speak to Marco, he is on holiday in ‘his’ Brabant. At least a thirty-hour trip, but it was well worth it to him. “Losing a family is a very difficult thing. I really enjoy seeing my parents, brother and sister again. “I always look forward to going to the Netherlands, but I can’t live here anymore,” he says.
He left for New Zealand for love and decided to stay despite the breakup. “I have a good sponsor who has supported me for many years,” he says, “Life is much better here than in the Netherlands. The nature is beautiful, there is more freedom and the lifestyle is more relaxed.
“My whole childhood revolved around playing pool.”
Pool billiards was Marco’s focus throughout his life. After a trial lesson at the age of 11 at a pool center in Wonsall, he trained there every Wednesday. “It got worse and at a certain point I was coming there every day after school. My entire childhood revolved around playing pool. I firmly believe that if you focus on one thing, it will pay off later.
“Very busy, but not financially strapped.”
He has been a full-time professional for at least ten years, but he now works as a sales manager at Pool and Pool Notes. He also trains the youth team. “This ensures that I am no longer financially constrained. It is very busy, but my boss gives me complete freedom for my game. I train five or six times a week for a few hours a day. I choose the most interesting matches to play.
He recently took part in the World Cup in Saudi Arabia, and two weeks before that he was at the table in Las Vegas. “After a week in the Netherlands I will fly back to New Zealand and in a week back to America. It takes a lot of time to travel, but why should I complain? I work well and earn money with my passion.
He is ranked 40th in the world. Despite his busy schedule, Marco continues to aspire to move into the real world. “I have been close to it for a long time and I have a feeling that there is more to come. So I will train more often and compete more in the coming years,” he said.
Marco represents his homeland, but will it last? “I still have a contract with the Dutch club and they want to get me, but there is definitely a possibility that I could move to New Zealand in the future.”
“The water is incredibly beautiful.”
When he is not busy with his sport or work, he likes to go sailing. “I absolutely love fishing. New Zealand is the best place to do it. You have to look at the photos, the water is really beautiful. I go out on the water in the middle of the ocean.
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