Mike Zuglan brought his Joss NE 9-Ball Tour to Raxx Billiards in W. Hempstead, NY on the weekend of November 14th and 15th and thirty five players threw their hats in the ring to win their share of the $4800 in prize money.
With no Dennis Hatch in sight, the field was wide open for any number of players to grab this title for their resume. One such hopeful, Joey Korsiak, found himself with a tough path to follow as a first round 9-5 loss to Oscar Bonilla sent him to the one loss side.
Meanwhile, back on the right side of the board, Shaun "Get Some" Wilkie and Bucky Souvanthong were charting a course through the brackets, both looking for their first tour wins.
Wilkie and Souvanthong faced off for the hot-seat, which was won by Wilkie with a 9-6 scoreline.
Souvanthong went to the left side of the board, where Korsiak had sent home seven straight opponents after that first round loss. Souvanthong became victim number eight as Korsiak beat him 9-7 setting up a Korsiak/Wilkie final match.
Korsiak showed that he was ready for business as he put a five pack on Wilkie right out of the gate. Wilkie was unphased and ground his way back into the match. Before Korsiak knew what happened, his lead had evaporated and the score was tied at 7-7. Wilkie got to the hill at 8-7, but Korsiak quickly joined him at 8-8. The case game went back and forth until a long rail kick from Korsiak just missed the side pocket and Wilkie ended the match and tournament with a 9-8 win.
Wilkie earned $1400 in first place prize money, while Korsiak settled for $950. Raxx Billiards room owner Holden Chin donated a prize package that included a free entry to the upcoming Turning Stone Classic XIV as well as three room nights at the Turning Stone Casino. Any player who had never won a Joss event and did not cash at this event was elegible for this prize package, and that lucky winner was Redgie Cutler.
Next weekend, Zuglan will bring the tour to the recently relocated Snooker's Pool Lounge in Providence, RI for the 21st Ocean State 9-Ball Championship. If you have not visited the new location, please call the room or check the tour website for directions.
