Joss Turning Stone Casino Tournament Thread
- Thread starter JAM
- Start date
JAM said:
JAM,
Hope you guys have a blast! Good luck to Keith and the rest of the players. Oh yeah....please keep us posted
....it's not like you don't anyway 
.
Players began rolling in the afternoon. I saw three pool room proprietors who host Joss Tour events sign up at the players meeting, Pete G. from Ultimate Billiards in Berlin, CT, Bob M. of Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hills, PA, and Steve G. from Snooker's in Providence, RI.
Karen Corr was practicing with Frankie Hernandez. An interesting story about Frankie, he just got back from Venezuela where he provided instructional sessions for the pool federation from that country. The head of the Venezuelan Pool Federation saw Frankie competing in a tournament in Puerto Rico, and arranged for Frankie to come to his country and teach some aspiring players. He said Venezuela was so much fun, and he'd like to do it again soon. With his bilingual skills, it was an asset to the sessions, which were very well received.
Santos, Jose Parica, Joey Korsiak, Jarrod Clowery, Keith McCready, Nick Maninno, Dennis Hatch, Pete Vasquez, Ronnie Wiseman are some of the players who are here, that I can remember at the time of this writing, and everyone is looking forward to competing for the purse.
All rounds will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mike Zuglan, the tournament director, is hoping to return Sunday with 16 players, if possible.
Sugar Shane, Dennis Hatch's uncle, a kid, and Keith formed a committee and pooled their funds on the dice table. With Ronnie Wiseman and Ryan McCreesh looking on as the dice flew, Sugar Shane had a run with the dice, never made three passes, but threw about 8 numbers in between. One friendly gentleman was betting big money and he tipped Sugar Shane a black chip for his excellent performance. Everybody left the table with more money than what they came with. Nice way to start off the tournament.
That's a snippet of the activities. Will report more later.
JAM
Karen Corr was practicing with Frankie Hernandez. An interesting story about Frankie, he just got back from Venezuela where he provided instructional sessions for the pool federation from that country. The head of the Venezuelan Pool Federation saw Frankie competing in a tournament in Puerto Rico, and arranged for Frankie to come to his country and teach some aspiring players. He said Venezuela was so much fun, and he'd like to do it again soon. With his bilingual skills, it was an asset to the sessions, which were very well received.
Santos, Jose Parica, Joey Korsiak, Jarrod Clowery, Keith McCready, Nick Maninno, Dennis Hatch, Pete Vasquez, Ronnie Wiseman are some of the players who are here, that I can remember at the time of this writing, and everyone is looking forward to competing for the purse.
All rounds will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Mike Zuglan, the tournament director, is hoping to return Sunday with 16 players, if possible.
Sugar Shane, Dennis Hatch's uncle, a kid, and Keith formed a committee and pooled their funds on the dice table. With Ronnie Wiseman and Ryan McCreesh looking on as the dice flew, Sugar Shane had a run with the dice, never made three passes, but threw about 8 numbers in between. One friendly gentleman was betting big money and he tipped Sugar Shane a black chip for his excellent performance. Everybody left the table with more money than what they came with. Nice way to start off the tournament.
That's a snippet of the activities. Will report more later.
JAM
Last edited:
Muxy, brackets are online now.
Mike
Mike
Muxy said:
blue-ss-camaro
Registered
thats funny that you mentioned james tolkan, my friends picked him up in lake placid to give him a ride down. they are competeing in the event maybe you know one of them he used to travel with mike zuglan to the "all about pool tour" his name is dave varano. good player has palced in a few event over the years. who won the poker tournament anyway.... thanks for keeping us posted jam....
Hey JAM~ Sounds like you all ar rocking there. Thanks for the updates and continue to keep us posted.
Think Disney!
Eydie
Think Disney!
Eydie
I see McCready, Hopkins, Davis, and McCreesh (amongst others) are having a good tourney so far. Doesn't look like Keith has been in any nail biting matches yet, based on the scores... JAM, I hope you can keep your manicure intact until the end, LOL.
Doesn't look like Keith has been in any nail biting matches yet, based on the scores... JAM, I hope you can keep your manicure intact until the end, LOL.
Nice to see Joe DiPietro having a nice tournament. My first encounter with Joe was at the World Open Junior Straight Pool Championships at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC, and he and I had a nice chat. Can't quite remember whether it was 1980 or 1981, but if i recall, Joe was just 16, and looked even younger, and he won the juniors division in a field that included emerging NYC star player Sammy Guzman, whom I knew from the Golden Q poolroom in Queens NY. The tables, the same ones being used by those in the main draw of the men's event, had very tight pockets, and Joe ran a very impressive 41. Sammy would get even a couple of years later, winning the same event.
Here's wishing Joe good luck the rest of the way.
Here's wishing Joe good luck the rest of the way.
Hi jen....was great seeing you and keith again. i am glad that you 2 are having fun. then again, keith always lights up the room when he walks in. great seeing James Tolken again. I met him once before when i was in NYC for the Open 14.1 tournament a couple of years ago. I met him at the same time i had met Jerry orbach, may he rest in peace. And james remembered me. Was also nice to see Teddy G playing on the Joss tour again and shooting very well. Along with this boards own cardiac kid. Go get em lyn. and karen corr. what can be said. playing great. should have also won her 2nd match except for a couple of untimely scratches. Hopkins match against empey was a nail biter at hill hill with alan coming out ahead. great to see that Ronnie Wiseman made the long trek there from detroit. what can you say about dennis hatch. playing great. got to see Joe Tucker again and sitting and shooting the breeze with him. And mike webb,,,what workmanship. brought a few cues and was as happy as always. all in all jen, i would have to say what a great and diverse pool of talent they have. The casino manager that Mike Z is dealing with there is also great and trying to put together 2 tournaments a year there. would be great if it happens. as long as somebody don't schedule another 1 at the same time like they did with this one....and to think...it's all free to watch. those that did not have a chance to go. when they come back to the turning stone casino again. please come and be a part of it. you won't be disappointed........................mike
The Final 16
The goal of the tournament, due to the large player field of 96 players, was to have only 16 remaining on Sunday, and actual play, which began at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, ended at 2:00 a.m. very early this morning. Keith and Allen Hopkins came in 17th through 24th.
Thanks to the expertise of Diamond Tables and Greg Sullivan, this venue was a pool player's dream. Each of the 12 tables were well spaced in the ballroom, so much space between each and every table, that a pool player never had to look around before he fired a shot in to see if he was in somebody's way. I have never seen that before at any tournament I have been to. BTW, Greg Sullivan looks GREAT after his recent hospital scare during the DCC, and he looked like he was having a great time sweating a few of the matches last evening. Remember, folks, Greg is from Kentucky, home of the best bankshot mechanics in the world. Sometimes I think Greg would rather be playing pool than working. One thing for sure, at every venue where there are Diamond tables being used, the players are assured of playing on topnotch equipment, something that is taken for granted sometimes I think. He told me that he's working on setting up an AzBilliards pool table for next year's DCC. I also saw a belt buckle he was wearing that he designed himself as a jeweler years ago, encrusted with gemstones. It was BEAUTIFUL.
The Turning Stone Casino had a concession stand within the ballroom, which was quite convenient for the players and spectators alike. The staff here treated all the pool players like they were celebrities. Folks were coming up to the players throughout the weekend, asking for autographs.
Allen and Keith had a great weekend together, reminiscing about the "good old days," and when they ventured into the casino. Last night, or maybe I should say this morning at 1:00 a.m., they played side by side, Allen vs. Carlos Viera and Keith vs. Ronnie Wiseman. Keith's first match of the day was at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, and his last match ended at 2:00 a.m. When his match was called, he was in heat on the craps table and had to stop his winning run with the dice, only to face a determined Ronnie Wiseman who beat him 9 to 5 (I think).
Frankie Hernandez knocked Keith in the losers' bracket earlier in the day. Both of them were playing topnotch pool, but at the end of the match, much like what happened with Joe Tucker in a previous Joss tournament, Frankie attempted to get under Keith's skin about racking the balls. None of Keith's racks on the last 2 games were acceptable to Frankie after maybe 7 or 8 attempts by Keith to rack for him. I hate it when this kind of crap happens, and it's a move (IMO) and seems to be a recurrent theme when players are in the pit against Frankie Hernandez. I like Frankie, but he needs to quick this crap. He only does it when the score is close.
Dennis Hatch looks to be the favorite for the big win on the $15,000-added Joss event. He's in excellent shape, and his performance to date outshines the rest of the field (IMO). He's breaking the balls perfectly and running out effortlessly. Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh was still in the winners' brackets as of this morning.
It has been quite difficult to keep Keith's mind on pool, as he's been indulging himself in all of the casino games. We're actually up about 2 dimes after expenses, which is quite a treat for JAM.
Just got a phone call from a friend who is downstairs at the event. Ryan McCreesh is still in the winners' bracket, and he just defeated Jose Parica 9 to 6. We're pulling for the Genie Man to keep it going!
I have taken quite a few pictures and will post them when I return home. We're just waking up, and I hope to watch the finals today. Sometimes when you're knocked out of the tournament, it's kind of nice to be able to just sit back, relax, and watch the festivities, which is exactly what I plan on doing today.
JAM
The goal of the tournament, due to the large player field of 96 players, was to have only 16 remaining on Sunday, and actual play, which began at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, ended at 2:00 a.m. very early this morning. Keith and Allen Hopkins came in 17th through 24th.
Thanks to the expertise of Diamond Tables and Greg Sullivan, this venue was a pool player's dream. Each of the 12 tables were well spaced in the ballroom, so much space between each and every table, that a pool player never had to look around before he fired a shot in to see if he was in somebody's way. I have never seen that before at any tournament I have been to. BTW, Greg Sullivan looks GREAT after his recent hospital scare during the DCC, and he looked like he was having a great time sweating a few of the matches last evening. Remember, folks, Greg is from Kentucky, home of the best bankshot mechanics in the world. Sometimes I think Greg would rather be playing pool than working. One thing for sure, at every venue where there are Diamond tables being used, the players are assured of playing on topnotch equipment, something that is taken for granted sometimes I think. He told me that he's working on setting up an AzBilliards pool table for next year's DCC. I also saw a belt buckle he was wearing that he designed himself as a jeweler years ago, encrusted with gemstones. It was BEAUTIFUL.
The Turning Stone Casino had a concession stand within the ballroom, which was quite convenient for the players and spectators alike. The staff here treated all the pool players like they were celebrities. Folks were coming up to the players throughout the weekend, asking for autographs.
Allen and Keith had a great weekend together, reminiscing about the "good old days," and when they ventured into the casino. Last night, or maybe I should say this morning at 1:00 a.m., they played side by side, Allen vs. Carlos Viera and Keith vs. Ronnie Wiseman. Keith's first match of the day was at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, and his last match ended at 2:00 a.m. When his match was called, he was in heat on the craps table and had to stop his winning run with the dice, only to face a determined Ronnie Wiseman who beat him 9 to 5 (I think).
Frankie Hernandez knocked Keith in the losers' bracket earlier in the day. Both of them were playing topnotch pool, but at the end of the match, much like what happened with Joe Tucker in a previous Joss tournament, Frankie attempted to get under Keith's skin about racking the balls. None of Keith's racks on the last 2 games were acceptable to Frankie after maybe 7 or 8 attempts by Keith to rack for him. I hate it when this kind of crap happens, and it's a move (IMO) and seems to be a recurrent theme when players are in the pit against Frankie Hernandez. I like Frankie, but he needs to quick this crap. He only does it when the score is close.
Dennis Hatch looks to be the favorite for the big win on the $15,000-added Joss event. He's in excellent shape, and his performance to date outshines the rest of the field (IMO). He's breaking the balls perfectly and running out effortlessly. Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh was still in the winners' brackets as of this morning.
It has been quite difficult to keep Keith's mind on pool, as he's been indulging himself in all of the casino games. We're actually up about 2 dimes after expenses, which is quite a treat for JAM.
Just got a phone call from a friend who is downstairs at the event. Ryan McCreesh is still in the winners' bracket, and he just defeated Jose Parica 9 to 6. We're pulling for the Genie Man to keep it going!
I have taken quite a few pictures and will post them when I return home. We're just waking up, and I hope to watch the finals today. Sometimes when you're knocked out of the tournament, it's kind of nice to be able to just sit back, relax, and watch the festivities, which is exactly what I plan on doing today.
JAM
Last edited:
Hey JAM,
If that's the case in the Frankie/Keith match I would definitely say it is a move. In the case with Joe T, it was Frankie that was P.O.'d about Joe checking the rack. Now I see it is Frankie doing the same thing he blew up on Joe about.
As always, thanks for the great reports. Makes me wish I was still stationed in the Air Force up at Griffiss. Only about 15 minutes from there. Oh well, hopefully I can get the wife to go up with me next year. Good excuse to head up to Forrest Port for the best prime rib I've ever had.
Dave
If that's the case in the Frankie/Keith match I would definitely say it is a move. In the case with Joe T, it was Frankie that was P.O.'d about Joe checking the rack. Now I see it is Frankie doing the same thing he blew up on Joe about.
As always, thanks for the great reports. Makes me wish I was still stationed in the Air Force up at Griffiss. Only about 15 minutes from there. Oh well, hopefully I can get the wife to go up with me next year. Good excuse to head up to Forrest Port for the best prime rib I've ever had.
Dave
This just in...
Hi, DDKoop. Wish you were here to root in Mark Ranson, the owner of the pool room which hosts the Joss tournaments in Quincy, Massachusetts. He's getting ready to play Dennis Hatch in the losers' bracket. Dennis knocked out Santos from the B side.
I walked in at the conclusion of the game between Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh and Steve Tavenier who plays at Snooker's in Providence, Rhode Island. Racing to 9, Steve was on the hill, and Ryan had 7 games. Steve missed the 8-ball, and the cue-ball ended up frozen on an end rail and the 8-ball was frozen on the opposite end rail. The Genie Man stepped up to the plate and sliced the 8-ball in, and the crowds stood on their feet to give him a standing ovation. It was an unbelievably incredible shot, with Ryan winning the next game and set. At 4:00 p.m., EST, Ryan will play Frankie Hernandez for the hot seat.
Instead of the traditional double-elimination format of the Joss Tour events, this final will be one race to 13. With the 96-player field and $15,000 in added monies, the purse paid out 24 places. Keith and Allen Hopkins were in this bracket, which paid $200. I think first place is $5,800, and the winner will get a nice trophey, the cash, and the championship title of the Joss Tour Turning Stone Classic IV Tournament.
On the B side, Dennis Hatch, Mark Ranson, and Steve Tavenier.
The matches didn't conclude last evening until 5:30 a.m., according to a friend who witnessed the last match, with the morning matches beginning at 9:00 a.m.
I love this casino with all of its amenities. The hallways have waterfalls and tall trees. When you breathe the air, it is so clean, like you're taking a stroll in the woods. Our room is beautiful. The beds are so comfy, the bathroom with everything you need. I'm trying to get the Earthquake to rise, so we can go downstairs and root in the Genie Man. I hope Ryan kicks Frankie's butt on the field of green here in Verona. This is a great win for whoever gets there, but for now, Ryan is my horse in the race.
That's it for now. Will report more later as the events unfold. It is quite difficult for some reason typing on a laptop computer. The keyboard is smaller than the standard size, and my 150-WPM fingers are tripping up.
JAM
Hi, DDKoop. Wish you were here to root in Mark Ranson, the owner of the pool room which hosts the Joss tournaments in Quincy, Massachusetts. He's getting ready to play Dennis Hatch in the losers' bracket. Dennis knocked out Santos from the B side.
I walked in at the conclusion of the game between Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh and Steve Tavenier who plays at Snooker's in Providence, Rhode Island. Racing to 9, Steve was on the hill, and Ryan had 7 games. Steve missed the 8-ball, and the cue-ball ended up frozen on an end rail and the 8-ball was frozen on the opposite end rail. The Genie Man stepped up to the plate and sliced the 8-ball in, and the crowds stood on their feet to give him a standing ovation. It was an unbelievably incredible shot, with Ryan winning the next game and set. At 4:00 p.m., EST, Ryan will play Frankie Hernandez for the hot seat.
Instead of the traditional double-elimination format of the Joss Tour events, this final will be one race to 13. With the 96-player field and $15,000 in added monies, the purse paid out 24 places. Keith and Allen Hopkins were in this bracket, which paid $200. I think first place is $5,800, and the winner will get a nice trophey, the cash, and the championship title of the Joss Tour Turning Stone Classic IV Tournament.
On the B side, Dennis Hatch, Mark Ranson, and Steve Tavenier.
The matches didn't conclude last evening until 5:30 a.m., according to a friend who witnessed the last match, with the morning matches beginning at 9:00 a.m.
I love this casino with all of its amenities. The hallways have waterfalls and tall trees. When you breathe the air, it is so clean, like you're taking a stroll in the woods. Our room is beautiful. The beds are so comfy, the bathroom with everything you need. I'm trying to get the Earthquake to rise, so we can go downstairs and root in the Genie Man. I hope Ryan kicks Frankie's butt on the field of green here in Verona. This is a great win for whoever gets there, but for now, Ryan is my horse in the race.
That's it for now. Will report more later as the events unfold. It is quite difficult for some reason typing on a laptop computer. The keyboard is smaller than the standard size, and my 150-WPM fingers are tripping up.
JAM
Last edited:
I'd be putting some Ben-Gay on my fingers if I could type 150 WPM! lol... maybe 90, but not 150! Yeah.. kick Frankies butt~!
Genie Man in the Hot Seat
While Dennis Hatch was battling it out with Steve Tavenier on one table, Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh was putting on a show and defeated Frankie Hernandez, 9 to 3. At the end of his match, he let out a loud cheer for himself, as Frankie sat dazed staring into space. Frankie just couldn't get it going, but don't rule him out yet. With his strong break, he's still not out of this.
Frankie will play the winner of Steve Tavenier and Dennis Hatch. Steve is having a great tournament and is a local champion in Providence, RI. He's the dark horse of the tournament and is capable of snatching the win. When I left, Steve was leading in the race to 9, with the score 7 to 5.
The finals will begin at 8:00 p.m., EST, tonight. Ryan is going to have a nice meal before the finals war. Always the chow hound, Ryan said he's going to enjoy the prime rib buffet at the Harvest Moon restaurant, one of the many restaurants at the Turning Stone Casino. He said he stayed in last night to prepare for battle today, resting up. It looks like it paid off because he's playing at his top speed. Ryan really wants this win, and I'm hoping he gets there.
Folks are enjoying the casino on this 3-day holiday weekend. A regular on the tournament trail and a fine pool scholar, John Cash hit for a whopping $6,500 on one of games.
Dana Bufalo, who sometimes attends a lot of the Joss tournaments, has been assisting Mike Zuglan running the tournament, keeping the charts up to date and moving the players in and out as fast as possible. He always has a smile on his face, even under the pressure of the logistical nightmare of how these events go at times. He seems to keep everybody happy and upbeat. I didn't hear too much griping and moaning by the players, as they are wont to do from time to time.
We're taking a break and getting ready to head back to the ballroom. I just retrieved my camera, in hopes that I may be able to snap a few more pics before my return home. There's snow in the forecast, and here in Upstate New York in the mountains, you never know how many inches you'll get. I definitely do not want to get snowed in at a casino.
Santos said he's going to the NAOT event in Pittsburgh, as is Mike Davis. Ryan is contemplating going himself, catching a ride with Sugar Shane. Fortunately for all them, the NAOT TD, Scott Smith, has made it possible for them to get the opportunity to play at the Hilton $20,000-added tournament.
JAM
While Dennis Hatch was battling it out with Steve Tavenier on one table, Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh was putting on a show and defeated Frankie Hernandez, 9 to 3. At the end of his match, he let out a loud cheer for himself, as Frankie sat dazed staring into space. Frankie just couldn't get it going, but don't rule him out yet. With his strong break, he's still not out of this.
Frankie will play the winner of Steve Tavenier and Dennis Hatch. Steve is having a great tournament and is a local champion in Providence, RI. He's the dark horse of the tournament and is capable of snatching the win. When I left, Steve was leading in the race to 9, with the score 7 to 5.
The finals will begin at 8:00 p.m., EST, tonight. Ryan is going to have a nice meal before the finals war. Always the chow hound, Ryan said he's going to enjoy the prime rib buffet at the Harvest Moon restaurant, one of the many restaurants at the Turning Stone Casino. He said he stayed in last night to prepare for battle today, resting up. It looks like it paid off because he's playing at his top speed. Ryan really wants this win, and I'm hoping he gets there.
Folks are enjoying the casino on this 3-day holiday weekend. A regular on the tournament trail and a fine pool scholar, John Cash hit for a whopping $6,500 on one of games.
Dana Bufalo, who sometimes attends a lot of the Joss tournaments, has been assisting Mike Zuglan running the tournament, keeping the charts up to date and moving the players in and out as fast as possible. He always has a smile on his face, even under the pressure of the logistical nightmare of how these events go at times. He seems to keep everybody happy and upbeat. I didn't hear too much griping and moaning by the players, as they are wont to do from time to time.
We're taking a break and getting ready to head back to the ballroom. I just retrieved my camera, in hopes that I may be able to snap a few more pics before my return home. There's snow in the forecast, and here in Upstate New York in the mountains, you never know how many inches you'll get. I definitely do not want to get snowed in at a casino.
Santos said he's going to the NAOT event in Pittsburgh, as is Mike Davis. Ryan is contemplating going himself, catching a ride with Sugar Shane. Fortunately for all them, the NAOT TD, Scott Smith, has made it possible for them to get the opportunity to play at the Hilton $20,000-added tournament.
JAM