Fair play to Corey (big respect from me), if he came last I don't think it would harm his reputation, it might even enhance it.
IMHO he doesn't stand a chance of winning (secretly he might know that), but at least he's having a go, which is far more than most have ever done. Every snooker comp he enters he gets him more experience. More and more and who knows he might make the quarters or even the semi's (in a non pro tourney) one day.
I know this sounds harsh, but before everyone jumps on the "why can't a pool player win at snooker? - bandwagon", be realistic look at the list of highest breaks of the other players in the tournament. Both in matchplay and practice, there are quite a few professional players who have never managed to get a maximum. Never mind the ones "not good enough to become pro". Even some ex world champs have never had one!
If the USA wants a real snooker champ, they need to get them to England or China while they are young (aged around 6-8), and get them coached. If they have the dedication they have time on their side at that age to stand a chance to compete....
Starting in your teens or later, forget it... Doesn't matter how much skill you have in other cue sports (unless maybe English billiards which is on the same table with a slightly different height), to a top snooker pro, you've already lost...
It's a bitter pill to swallow but unfortunately true.