Chris Melling - Part 2 (Becoming a World Champion)

Chris Melling had the talent. Now he had to prove he could beat the best. In Part Two of our Legends of the Cue conversation, Chris takes us inside his rise from promising young professional to one of the greatest English eight-ball players of his generation—and shares plenty of unforgettable stories from life on the road along the way. We begin with Chris’s longtime friendship with Darren Appleton. The two future champions traveled, practiced and competed together as young players, and Chris recalls the pranks, road trips and outrageous moments that came with their close friendship. Some stories have to be heard to be believed. Chris then explains what it really meant to be a professional English pool player in that era: the prize money, exhibitions, sponsorships, after-hours gambling and the relentless competition against players such as Mick Hill, Darren Appleton, Jason Twist and Gareth Potts. He also gives American pool fans a fascinating lesson in the differences between English eight-ball and American pool—from smaller balls and tighter pockets to the dramatically different behavior of the cue ball. Then comes the breakthrough. Chris looks back on defeating Rob McKenna 11–10 to capture the 2001 WEPF World Eightball Championship, including the emotional moment his mother joined him after the victory. He recalls defeating snooker legend Steve Davis in nine-ball and continuing to pursue professional snooker while simultaneously becoming one of pool’s dominant players. By 2003, Melling was even better. He defeated Jason Twist 11–7 for his second World Eightball Championship and remembers producing a nearly flawless performance in one of the fastest world finals ever played. World champion. World number one. And still looking for the next challenge. Part Two captures Chris Melling as his extraordinary natural ability became championship greatness. Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text. Support the show **Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:** Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1 *Music by Lyrium.* **About** *"*Legends of the Cue"** is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member **Allison Fisher** and Mosconi Cup player and captain **Mark Wilson**, *Legends of the Cue* brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join Allison, Mark and **Mike Gonzalez** for ***“Legends of the Cu...***