“Fireball” Mike Dechaine goes undefeated to win inaugural State of Maine 9-Ball Open

[azhousepro]

It’s been almost four years (April 2021) since Mike Dechaine, aka Fireball, has recorded an event victory here on AZBilliards. It’s been almost a decade since he had his best recorded earnings year (2015), when he climbed to #13 on the AZBilliards Money Leaderboard. It’s been a few days since he went undefeated to claim the State of Maine’s inaugural, $3,000-added Open 9-Ball Tournament, which drew 95 entrants to Forest City Billiards in Portland, ME this past weekend (Nov. 30-Dec. 1). So, being only the third cash payout he’s recorded over the past two years, we wondered whether this appearance […]

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[SeamusNH]

Forest City Billiards is owned by an APA player, Tyson, who bought it earlier this year. He didn't have any experience in the industry (he was in the trades) but he has a passion for pool. He has had the felt and cushions replaced on all the tables and reorganized the place a bit. I was at an APA tourney there recently and Mike Dechaine was there, but not playing.

 

[Joe Br]

Sad actually. Mike and Justin Bergman are both in top five of Americans in Fargo rate (excluding Fedor), but both seem to have some mental issues keeping them from trying to make mosconi cup. Their country needs them but they would rather not participate. Mike and Justin are both better than Billy and Opie. IMO

 

[azhousepro]

I think Mike has just accepted that working a 9-5 is better than the grind of being a pool player. It truly is a shame, because I think he could be Mosconi ready within a matter of months if he focused on the game again.

 

[AtLarge]

... I think he could be Mosconi ready within a matter of months if he focused on the game again.

Maybe, but in the 4 years he played in the Mosconi Cup (2011, 2012, 2015, 2016) his record in singles was 1 win and 6 losses, and in doubles it was 2 wins and 8 losses.

 

[azhousepro]

I understand your point. And having his game ready to compete at that level and being ready to compete in a team environment like that, are two completely different things.

 

[white1]

Sad actually. Mike and Justin Bergman are both in top five of Americans in Fargo rate (excluding Fedor), but both seem to have some mental issues keeping them from trying to make mosconi cup. Their country needs them but they would rather not participate. Mike and Justin are both better than Billy and Opie. IMO

Mental issues….not sure I know anyone that doesn’t have these..guys make choices why how and when they play. Pretty simple really I would think.

 

[evergruven]

I think Mike has just accepted that working a 9-5 is better than the grind of being a pool player. It truly is a shame, because I think he could be Mosconi ready within a matter of months if he focused on the game again.

we all have our weak moments, but some players seem to relish the touring, the life- especially lately, with matchroom helping the sport grow in so many ways.
cool to hear fireball's still firin' em in tho. may happiness find us all!

 

[miramachine]

Sad actually. Mike and Justin Bergman are both in top five of Americans in Fargo rate (excluding Fedor), but both seem to have some mental issues keeping them from trying to make mosconi cup. Their country needs them but they would rather not participate. Mike and Justin are both better than Billy and Opie. IMO

I know Mike was a little bit of a loose cannon back in the day but after talking with him a couple weeks ago and asking him if he is ever giving it another shot I totally understand where he is coming from. He is doing much better in life now it seems, he seems to be a whole different person and is much more calm and down to earth. Yes he one of the best in the USA but just because he could make the Mosconi doesn't mean that is what would make him happiest in life.

 

[azhousepro]

I'm happy to hear that he is doing well with where he is in life. It's also nice to see that he can dip his toe in the water and still compete at a decent level when he feels the urge.