Known as “The Blonde Bombshell” for his golden locks and two-handed power, Allan Garner was one of the game’s most exciting and best players for nearly a decade after making his first national semifinal in 2005. TBB was ranked #1 on the WPH (pre R48) pro tour in 2010, won the 2010 Simple Green U.S. Open, made the finals of the 2009 World Championships, and was a contender for every major title until he stopped playing full-time in 2014. TBB has rarely spoken about his prodigious talent and sensational career, but the Texan opens up for Patreon in this exclusive two-part interview, discussing his best match, his biggest win, the matches that got away, Dave Chapman, his incredible left and more in Part One of Catching up with TBB. Enjoy!
You played in so many great matches in your pro career. What was the best match you ever played?
I’d have to say the ‘09 world finals would be the best. I had tough match after tough match against the worlds best (still remember my opponents and scores of each match), and was completely worn out by the time the finals rolled around. I did play well, and fought hard to win the second game, but came up short it the tiebreaker unfortunately. I have many fond memories of the entire tournament!
You were always on the short list of contenders to win any big event. What was the biggest pro tournament win of your career?
Definitely the 2010 US Open. We have many tournaments but only a few majors, and getting one was always important. I would be lying if I said that the money wasn’t important, but the money has been spent yet I still have the trophy.
As with all top athletes, there will always be those matches and tournaments that slipped away. What match sticks out for you that you still wished you would have won?
Read the conclusion of this interview on Patreon.com/wphlive.