I've not run into Corey in recent years, but he's always been innovative in his strategies for pool as well as other happenings in his life. He gave snooker a serious look and competed in a couple events, and he's always been a golf enthusiast. I admire the kid for his creativity, i.e., bird break, which spread like wildfire at the World Championship in Philippines. Everybody was doing the bird break. In fact, there is one school of thought that the winner that year only won because of his bird break perfection, not his shot-making capabilities. After that tournament, the three-balls-must-pass rule came to the fore.
Corey is 43 now and still out there competing in pool tournaments. I'm not sure how he makes a living these days, but I'm sure pool doesn't make ends meet for 95 percent of all pool players who compete professionally. I respect their opinions and suggestions as they know what's going on out there more than I do as a railbird.
He was one of the youngest ever to U.S. Open 9-ball Championship, I think in close ranking with Mike Sigel.
As an aside, when we used to travel the American pool tournament trail, all the ladies were in awe of Corey. He was, to them, the Elvis Presley of pool, and the funny thing about it, the young handsome lad never realized how much he was admired the female persuasion. He was all about competition and winning.
When a player like Corey shares their thoughts, I'll listen. Buddy Hall was a strong proponent of loser breaks. Both of these veteran players' thoughts/opinions are worthy of consideration.
Here's a cute shot of Corey in 2003 at the Big Apple tournament, never realizing how many female followers hung onto his every word.
