Hat's off to Mike Zuglan for another well run tournament. I give him an A+++ for his dedication to the game and pro pool in general. Mike has handled this thankless task for a long, long time and has endured despite the criticism that has been thrown his way. He has worked hard to eke out a living running pool tournaments. I can attest to how difficult that is.
Glad to see these words, Jay, for Mike Zuglan is a shining presence in pool. I believe his Joss Tour, now in its 23rd year, is the greatest regional tour America has ever seen, and 32 Turning Stone events later, his tour is still full steam ahead.
Possibly excepting the new Matchroom edition of the US Open 9-ball event, Turning Stone may be the best run tournament in America. The 128 player field fills up crazy fast and Mike might well be able to get 256 players if he wanted them.
The reason for the demand at Turning Stone is clear: a) Mike always pays good money, b) the field is always solid, c) Mike is the best American-based tournament director and fairly penalizes those that cross the line in terms of conduct, and d) Mike's events ALWAYS run on time.
Some say Mike rules with an iron hand, but I say that's why he's so great at what he does, and why his tour remains so successful and popular. Let's face it, in our game's history, how many regional tours have reached their 23rd year of competition?