A Conversation with Patrick Loos, from The Netherlands
Patrick Loos at the Saense Embassy, 2008 | |||
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Profile:Name: Patrik Cyrill Loos Birthdate: March 14, 1988 Home Town: Zaandam, Holland (The Netherlands) Darts: Phil Taylor, 23 Grams Teams:  Westend Snooker (DBZP)No Illusions (DORA)*De Schot/Snowextreme(Superleague)* DORA: Darts Organistatie Regio Amsterdam |
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Accomplishments:
Winner Open Zaanstad Jeugd 2005
Winner Saense Embassy 2005
Quarter Finalist German Open 2007
Quarter Finalist Welsh Open 2007
Winner Czech Open 2007
Winner Saense Embassy 2008
Quarter Finalist Denmark Open 2008
Uncle Bennie's Five Euro Rebuy Poker Tournament 2008
The Interview:
Patrick Loos is a young darter from The Netherlands, who aspires to be a professional darter. With some wins to his credit, Patrick took a moment to answer some questions for this interview:How old are you and where are you from? I'm 20 years of age, and I'm from Zaandam, Holland.
How old were you when you started playing darts? I was about 11-12 when I first started playing.
Do you believe you have some natural talent? I do think a have a natural talent, and developed it by playing alot.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue a career as a professional darter? From the start, when I saw the Embassy on television. I'm not a proffesional player (YET) but Ihope to be one day.
Did you have a mentor as you began competing? Not really a mentor but I learned it all from my dad (Peter Loos).
What are some of your greatest accomplishments? Winning the Czech Open in 2007, playing at the Winmau World Masters in 2007, & 2008. And two times (losing) in the quarter finals in germany (lost from Ted Hankey after beating Darryl Fitton), and in Nothern Ireland (lost from Martin Phillips).
What do you hope to achieve with regard to darts in the next five years? I hope to play at the Lakeside!
How much do you practice daily and what are your practice routines? I practice about 1-2 hours a day, just playing matches and practicing doubles.
What motivates you during your practice? Playing good...
What goes through your mind when you step up to the line for a competitive match? That I really want to play well, and that my opponent may never even see a double.
Do you get nervous before important matches and how do you calm your nerves? I was never nervous, but lately I do tend to get a bit nervous, getting cold hands and getting a stiff neck. There's nothing I can do about it.
Are there any players in the world that you haven't met at the line, that you would like the opportunity to compete with? Not to much - only the master Phil Taylor!
Who are the darters that you admire most in this world? Phil Taylor, because he's so consistent.
How many tournaments a year do you compete in and where are some of the places that you have traveled to compete? I think that I play about 50 tournaments a year. I play 'em everywhere, especially in Europe. You can make a name for yourself in Holland, but if you want to accomplich something, then you do have to play in other countries.
Have you ever been to the US to compete? Do you have any plans to do so? (There is an International Windy City Open tournament in Chicago every September with darters from all over the world...) Yes, I was in Stanford in August or September.
If you could give any advice to darters just starting out competitively what would this be? Just practice a lot, and play free-out, because you have nothing to lose.
How do you handle defeat when you have really wanted to win and tried your absolute best? I'm always respectfull when I lose, I just shake his hand and walk away, but on the inside I'm cooking. That goes away in about 15 minutes and then I'm okay.Do you believe that darts are a game or a sport? Should darts be in the Olympics? Darts...I for sure believe that darts are a sport, and I do believe it should be an Olympic sport.
Is your family supportive of you as you pursue your dream of being a professional darter? I'm not yet, but they are supportive.
What are you doing in your free time when you are not playing darts? I watch movies, play poker, play snooker, and of course, pool.
I hope that this is what you wanted. Best regards, Patrick Loos
