Snooker Player Looks to Make His Mark in American Game He talks softly, and carries a big stick – a big thin stick that is. Born and raised in Bristol, England, Andrew Barlow grew up playing snooker. And even after moving to Foster City, Calif., Barlow still chooses a game of snooker over pool any day of the week. Barlow contends that when he does shoot
billiards, he almost always plays snooker. So much in fact, that he even uses his snooker cue when playing pool, a trend he continues at this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship. “I hardly ever play 8-Ball and 9-Ball, because I figure if I can shoot well in snooker, my skill will carry over into 8 or 9-Ball,” said Barlow. After a 3rd Place finish in 1998 and 7th Place in last year’s U.S. Amateur, Barlow seems to have had no trouble modifying his game. Being his third trip to the U.S. Amateur Championship, Barlow hopes to improve on his performance in previous years, and he’s confident that he will. “I always try to stay confident when I play. I always believe I’m the best player, even if I don’t happen to win. If you’re not confident, why play,” said Barlow. While Barlow enjoys the opportunity to compete in such a prestigious event, the U.S. Amateur, his real dream is to compete in the U.S. Snooker Championship. “That is my ultimate goal, but you have to be a 5 year resident of the U.S. So be sure to look for me in 2 years,” said Barlow. | 
