Gossip
There's only one Ralf Souquet
There are some remarkable similarities between the two sides ahead of tonight's quarter-final clash between England and Germany.
The two right handers (Souquet and Peach) are bald; the two left handers (Engert and Gray) aren't; and the two right handers are both reigning World Champions.
The physical similarities don't end there as Daryl Peach has been asked for Ralf Souquet's autograph at least four over the past 18 months.
New wardrobe for Wims
Every year there's always one and this time it was the turn of Australia's John Wims to lose his luggage en route to Rotterdam. Making his way from Manila, his bags never made the connecting flight in Hong Kong and when he arrived in Rotterdam on Monday he was minus cue and clothes.
Despite repeated phone calls, the blundering airline failed to deliver the goods and by match time, the Sydney-based former Irishman played using a borrowed Predator and some rapidly bought clobber.
Mangled computer booking forces Rico and Nigel to get cosy
There was more misfortune, this time for Matchroom Sport TV commentator Rico Diks. His hotel booking got mangled in the computer system so he was forced to spend the night in the room of referee Nigel Rees. The former European 9 Ball Champion reported a sound sleep and no snoring.
Matchroom's freaky eater
Matchroom Sport website bod Michael Emons was forced to bring a load of funny food over from England to cater to his unique dietary requirements. However, leaving it in a bag in his hotel room, the cleaning staff threw it out with the rubbish, presumably mistaking it for just that. This prompted a hurried trip to a local Holland and Barrett-style emporium where he bought a loaf of 'fake bread'...
Dazzler sparkles on the piano
Everybody has a hidden talent and reigning World Pool Champion Daryl Peach is a maestro of the easy listening piano. Spotting one in the hotel bar, 'Dazzler' cracked his knuckles and got down to a note perfect version of 'Wind Beneath my Wings' accompanied on vocals by referee Patricia Murphy.
"He was fantastic, he should give up pool now and take up the piano full time" said Trish. He followed it up with a superb rendition of old Boomtown Rats No.1 'I Don't Like Mondays'. In fact in his teens, Daryl had a paid gig entertaining the holiday mob at various Blackpool hotels.
