Niels Feijen is a Dutch professional pool player who has made a significant impact on the world of billiards. With a career spanning over two decades, Feijen has won numerous titles and is known for his precision and refined technique on the table. Feijen’s nickname, “The Terminator,” is a testament to his skill and dominance in the sport.
Feijen’s routine is one of the key factors that sets him apart from other players. He prepares for each shot in the same way, following a marked ritual that allows him to maintain focus and consistency. This precision and attention to detail have helped him achieve remarkable success throughout his career.
In addition to his impressive technique, Feijen has also won several major titles, including the WPA World 9-ball championship in 2014. His dominance in the sport has made him a role model for aspiring pool players around the world. Overall, Niels Feijen’s impact on the world of billiards is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is sure to endure for years to come.
Feijen’s Early Years and Introduction to Billiards
Beginnings
Niels Feijen was born on July 31, 1977, in the city of The Hague, Netherlands. He was introduced to billiards at a young age by his father, who was also a billiard enthusiast. By the time he was a teenager, Feijen was already showing promise in the sport, and he began playing in local leagues.
Rise to Prominence
Feijen’s rise to prominence began in the early 2000s when he started competing in amateur leagues across Europe. He quickly established himself as one of the top players in the region, winning several European Straight Pool Championships and other major tournaments.
In 2008, Feijen made the transition to professional play, and he quickly made a name for himself on the international circuit. He finished as a runner-up in the Derby City Classic 8-Ball Championship that same year, and he followed that up with a third-place finish in the World 10-Ball Championship.
Feijen’s breakthrough came in 2014 when he won the World 9-Ball Championship, cementing his status as one of the top players in the world. He also has several runner-up finishes in the World 8-Ball Championship and has been inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
Career Highlights and Titles
World Championships
Niels Feijen’s first WPA World Championship win came in 2014 when he defeated Antonio Gabica in the finals. He won his second World Championship title in 2019, defeating Chang Jung-Lin in a closely contested match. Feijen has been a consistent performer in the World Cup of Pool, having won the tournament twice, in 2011 and 2013. He also won the Live Nineball World Championship in 2016, defeating Ko Pin-Yi in the final.
Euro Tour Successes
Niels Feijen’s impact on European billiards has been immense. He has won the Euro Tour on 11 occasions, putting him third only behind Ralf Souquet (23) and Oliver Ortmann (14) in number of victories on the tour. Feijen’s consistency on the Euro Tour has been remarkable, having finished in the top 10 in every season since 2008.
Mosconi Cup Contributions
Niels Feijen has been a pivotal member of Team Europe in the Mosconi Cup, having played in the tournament on 14 occasions. He has been instrumental in Europe’s success in the tournament, having won the MVP honors on three occasions (2013, 2014, and 2017). Feijen’s leadership qualities have also been evident in the Mosconi Cup, having captained Team Europe to victory in 2015 and 2016. His performances in the tournament have been nothing short of spectacular, having won several crucial matches to help Europe retain the trophy.
Signature Playing Style
Niels Feijen is known for his exceptional technical skills and mental game, which have helped him achieve great success in the world of billiards. In this section, we will examine Feijen’s playing style in more detail, focusing on his technical skills and mental approach to the game.
Technical Skills
Feijen is widely regarded as one of the most technically proficient players in the game today. His shot precision and cue ball control are second to none, and he is able to execute even the most difficult shots with ease. Feijen’s ability to read the table and anticipate the movement of the balls sets him apart from other top players. He is also known for his consistency, rarely making mistakes or missing shots that he should make.
Compared to other top players in the game, Feijen’s technique is unique. While many players rely on power and speed to win matches, Feijen’s game is based on finesse and control. He is able to generate incredible spin on the cue ball, allowing him to position it precisely for his next shot. Feijen’s ability to control the speed of the ball is also exceptional, allowing him to play safe shots when necessary.
Mental Game
In addition to his technical skills, Feijen is also known for his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. He approaches high-pressure situations with a calm and focused mindset, never allowing his emotions to get the best of him. Feijen’s mental approach to the game is one of his greatest strengths, and has helped him to win numerous matches and tournaments.
Feijen is also known for his ability to make comebacks and win matches that seem lost. He never gives up, even when he is behind in a match, and is always looking for ways to turn the game around. Feijen’s determination and mental toughness have helped him to win some of the most prestigious tournaments in the game, including the Open Pool Championship.
Off the Table: Feijen’s Personal Life
Family and Personal Interests
Niels Feijen was born on February 3, 1977, in The Hague, Netherlands. He is the son of a Dutch father and Indonesian mother. Feijen has not shared much information about his family life, but it is known that he has a younger brother who is also a professional pool player.
Outside of billiards, Feijen has a passion for music and enjoys playing the guitar. He has also expressed an interest in cooking and enjoys experimenting with different recipes in his free time.
Contributions to the Sport
Feijen is known for his mentoring and support of up-and-coming players in the billiards community. He has been involved in various promotions and events to help promote the sport of billiards and encourage more people to get involved.
In 2016, Feijen partnered with Interesting Packs to launch a billiards-themed card game called “Poolmania Contest.” The game features different challenges and scenarios that players must complete to win points and advance to the next level.
Feijen has also been involved in the development of a registered trademark for billiards equipment. The trademark aims to ensure that high-quality billiards equipment is available to players around the world and to promote fair play and sportsmanship in the sport.
Training and Preparation
Practice Routines
Niels Feijen is known for his dedication to practice and his rigorous training regimen. He spends several hours each day practicing and honing his skills. He has developed his own set of special drills and practice techniques that he believes help him improve his game.
One of Feijen’s favorite drills is called “Sie Auf,” which involves hitting a series of shots in a specific order. He also practices various safety shots and position plays to improve his overall game.
Physical Fitness
Feijen believes that physical fitness plays a crucial role in his performance on the table. He follows a strict fitness routine that includes cardio, weightlifting, and stretching exercises. He also pays close attention to his diet and nutrition, ensuring that he eats a healthy and balanced diet to maintain his energy levels.
Feijen’s fitness routine is designed to help him improve his stamina, strength, and flexibility, all of which are important for playing at a high level. He also believes that staying physically fit helps him stay mentally sharp, allowing him to focus better during matches.
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Feijen’s Influence and Legacy
Role Model
Niels Feijen is a role model for aspiring billiard players. He has inspired many new players with his consistency, resistance, and quality at the table. His dedication and relentless pursuit of greatness have made him a respected figure in the billiards community.
Feijen has also received testimonials from his peers and protégés, who admire his skill and professionalism. He is known for his sportsmanship and fair play, and his positive attitude and demeanor have made him a beloved figure in the sport.
Contributions to Billiards Culture
Feijen has had a significant impact on the perception of billiards as a sport. His success on the international stage has helped to elevate the status of billiards and bring it to a wider audience. He has also been involved in initiatives to promote billiards, including exhibitions, clinics, and charity events.
Feijen’s contributions to billiards culture have helped to make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for players and fans alike. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of billiard players, and his impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion
Niels Feijen is a legendary billiard player who has made a significant impact on the sport. He has won numerous titles and is known for his unique technique, which includes aligning with his dominant eye and using the “paradiña” preshot.
Feijen has won 11 events on the Euro Tour, putting him in third place behind Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann in terms of victories on the tour. He was also inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in July 2023, which is a testament to his skill and contribution to the sport.
Feijen’s biggest years were in 2013 and 2014, during which he won back-to-back World Cup of Pool runner-up finishes, back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Derby City 10-Ball Challenge, and a pair of Mosconi Cup wins and MVP honors to his Masters and World 9-Ball crowns. He has also been ranked highly in the AZB Silver Member rankings.
Overall, Feijen’s achievements and impact on billiards are impressive and inspiring. His dedication to the sport and unique technique are a testament to what can be achieved with hard work and determination. Fans of the sport can draw inspiration from his career and strive to achieve similar success.
FAQs
Who is Niels Feijen and why is he called “The Terminator”?
Niels Feijen is a highly accomplished Dutch professional pool player. He earned the nickname “The Terminator” due to his exceptionally focused demeanor at the table and his ruthless accuracy in sinking shots.
What are some of Niels Feijen’s biggest pool accomplishments?
Niels Feijen boasts an impressive list of victories in major pool tournaments. Here are some highlights:
- World Pool Championship winner (2014)
- Multiple-time Mosconi Cup winner with Team Europe
- World Pool Masters champion
- European Championship winner
Is Niels Feijen right-handed or left-handed?
Niels Feijen is right-handed, but his cueing style is somewhat unique. Unlike most players, he aligns the cue very far to the right side of his head, likely due to his dominant right eye.
What is Niels Feijen’s signature pool shot?
Feijen is known for a few signature moves, but one that stands out is his soft yet deadly accurate break shot. He’s also recognized for a slight pause (known as the “paradiña”) just before striking the cue ball.
Where can I watch Niels Feijen’s pool matches?
You can often find Niels Feijen’s matches on major sports networks that broadcast professional pool tournaments. Additionally, streaming services dedicated to pool, as well as YouTube, often have clips and full matches available.
Does Niels Feijen have his own line of pool cues or equipment?
Yes, Niels Feijen has collaborated with brands to produce signature pool cues and other equipment that you can find through pool equipment retailers.
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