WBPA Feature: Karen Corr

The American Poolplayer magazine recently had an opportunity to interview "The Irish Invader" Karen Corr about her success on the WPBA Classic Tour, her rivalry with Allison Fisher, and her rise to the No. 1 ranking.

APA: You've experienced a great deal of success since arriving in the states and joining the WPBA, how does it feel to achieve so much success so quickly?

Corr: "With the way I've progressed over the past four years, obviously, I'm delighted with the way I've performed to get to the No. 1 spot so quickly."

APA: Did you anticipate being so successful so quickly?

Corr: "Not really. I was really surprised how quickly I rose through the rankings because I had to learn the whole game. It's so different than snooker."

APA: Last year you swept the WPBA Classic Tour events-the first time that's been done in the history of the WPBA. Did you feel any added sense of accomplishment by managing that feat?

Corr: "Yes, it was a real bonus, but I was just going into each tournament trying my best to win it. I got a few lucky rolls, and it happened."

APA: In terms of your competition on the WPBA Tour, who do you consider to be your biggest rival? Let me rephrase that. Do you consider Allison Fisher to be your biggest rival?

Corr: "Everybody is a top rival when you're playing 9-Ball because anything can happen. Obviously, with me now being No. 1, and Allison having been No. 1 for five years, you might say that."

APA: Because you are from the U.K. and have a snooker background, do you think that people enjoy watching the two of you play a little more?

Corr: "I guess, but Jeanette's right there at the top. Vivian Villereal, Gerda (Hofstatter), they are all great players. But because of Allison's success and my background, I think the public may take more of an interest in that."

APA: Several players have migrated from the U.K. to the states. Why have players, such as you, made such a successful transition?

Corr: "Well, I think we really already knew how to shoot, so it was just a matter of learning the rules."

APA: Going back to the first event on the WPBA Tour this season and the Player's Championship at Valley Forge-an event you had won each of the previous two seasons-Allison defeated you 7-1. Did you feel any added pressure going into the Spring Classic to prove that your run of six consecutive WPBA Tour victories wasn't a fluke and that you're still the No. 1 ranked player?

Corr: "Not really, Allison shot great in that tournament and deserved to win. I would have liked a better start, but finishing in 2nd Place is still a good start. When I went into the event in San Diego, I just looked at it as another tournament and a new start."

APA: You mentioned the No. 1 ranking. How significant is it to you to maintain that ranking?

Corr: "It's important when you're practicing. It's a good incentive to work hard."

APA: Since becoming the No. 1 ranked player, have you had any added pressure with the competition, as you're the player that everyone wants to beat?

Corr: "Yes, most people come in trying to shoot the lights out. I've got to stay on my toes."

APA: Loree Jon Jones was the fourth ladies player inducted into the Hall of Fame. One day, will we see Karen Corr inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Corr: "I don't really think about it, but it's certainly a great accomplishment for Loree Jon. Since I've been in the WPBA, she's the only lady to be inducted, so it's a prestigious category."