The 2011 edition of Mike Zuglan’s Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour at Diamond Eight Billiards saw a field of 56 compete in the $1500-added main event. The event was held January 29-30, 2011. When it was announced that Buffalo resident Dennis Hatch could not attend the event, the players cheered, knowing that the field was open. However, from the very early matches it was clear that Canadian Dan Hewitt was the favorite. Dan made quick work of his early opponents as he seemed to be in stroke for the entirety of the tournament.

Bucky Souvanthong was able to come back to the winner’s side after a loss to Mike Zuglan. In the final match, Bucky took an early 3-1 lead, but Danny peeled off 6 games in a row to lead 7-3. Bucky won the next 3, but Danny was able to capture the last 2 games needed for the Joss Tour win.

In the $500-added Sunday “Second chance” tournament, a field of 19 returned to play in the race-to-3 format. Redgie Cutler was the clear favorite as he initially plowed through the field. Phil Davis had other ideas, as he pulled off timely back-to-back 3-1 victories to win the tournament.

Congrats to all the players and thanks to Mike Zuglan and all the great spectators! We appreciate your support, so we can continue to bring you this great event!

Special thanks to Mike, who streamed Saturday’s action from table 1. He reported that we had over 500 unique viewers over the course of the day, with as many as 50 at any one time! Awesome!

Final results:

• 1st: Dan Hewitt $1,200.00
• 2nd: Bucky Souvanthong $850.00
• 3rd: Jarrod Clowery $600.00
• 4th: Greg Anonakos $450.00
• 5/6th: Bruce Carroll $350.00
• 5/6th: Mike Zuglan $350.00
• 7/8th: Jeff Smolen $200.00
• 7/8th: Bruce Nagle $200.00
• 9th: Dave Varano $100.00
• 9th: Dave Fernandez $100.00
• 9th: Paul Rozonewski $100.00
• 9th: Spencer Auigbelle $100.00

Second Chance Results:

• 1st: Phil Davis $330.00
• 2nd: Redgie Cutler $200.00
• 3rd: Brent Boemmels $150.00
• 4th: Clelton Rocha $100.00
• 5/6th: Stephen Way $50.00
• 5/6th: Mark Stewart $50.00

Spectator Carmella Runza was only going to buy three raffle tickets. She finally decided to buy 20 and one of those was the lucky ticket to be chosen as the winner of the 2011 Limited Tour Edition Custom Joss Cue! The cue, worth over $1200, was raffled off to help support the Joss Tour stop at Diamond Eight Billiards, which saw a field of 56 players compete for the $1200. first place prize.

Congrats to Carmella and thanks to everyone who purchased tickets to support the Joss event!

The 2010 Diamond Eight edition of the Joss Tour Stop was not the same old story, as favorite Dennis Hatch was eliminated early, leaving the door open for the rest of the field. Canada natives Chris Orme and Dan Hewitt took advantage of the situation to reach the finals. Chris played brilliantly, defeating Bob Cunningham, Dwight Dixon, Dan Hewitt, Dave Fernandez and Redgie Cutler on his way to fill the hot seat. Chris made quick work of Redgie Cutler, 9-1, to send him to the 1-loss side to face Dan Hewitt, who had rolled through tough matches against Mike Zuglan, Paul Rozonowski and Bucky Souvanthong, Dan and Redgie traded games until 6-6, when Dan was able to pull away with the victory and get to the finals. Chris took an early 5-1 lead in the final match, but Dan started a comeback to get to 5. Chris was able to stay focused and stay undefeated to win the $1400. first place prize, 9-5. Payouts appear after the jump.

Congrats to Kevin Soranno, who won the $1100 Custom Joss Cue! Thanks to Mike Zuglan, all the spectators, and the field of 39 players for their support of Diamond Eight!

• 1st: Chris Orme $1,400.00
• 2nd: Danny Hewitt $1,000.00
• 3rd: Redgie Cutler $710.00
• 4th: Bucky Souvanthong $500.00
• 5/6th: Dave Fernandez $350.00
• 5/6th: Paul Rozonewski $350.00
• 7/8th: Mike Zuglan $200.00
• 7/8th: Jose Mendez $200.00

Brian Mason who played out of Diamond Eight on the “Intimid8ers” Sunday night team, has passed away at the age of 62. Brian was great to talk to and fun to compete against. He had a great attitude about winning and losing that set an example for the rest of the league. Words cannot express our sadness, and our hearts break for his family and friends. Please share your thoughts in the comments. More information, and express your condolences with Brian’s family, at the Times Union site.

Ed Shufon said he had never won anything in his life. Well, he can’t say that anymore. Ed was the winner of the Joss Cue raffle, held during the Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tour stop at Diamond Eight January 19-20th. Although not present at the drawing, Ed rushed right over only as soon as he got the message that he was the big winner. “This is great. It’s a beautiful cue.” The drawing was held right before Shin Park and Mike Zuglan began the final match of the 2-day tournament. Proceeds from the raffle go to help Diamond Eight bring the Joss Tour to Latham. We really appreciate everyone’s support!

Shin Young Park of New York City defeated Mike Zuglan 9-5 in the second set of the true double elimination final match. Zuglan won the first set 9-7, but could not hold off Park’s early lead in the second set.

The results are here: 1. Shin Young Park 2. Mike Zuglan 3. Tony Chohan 4. Marc Vidal 5. Joey Korsiak / Norm Pomainville 9. Dave Varano / Tom Acciavatti / Chance Chin / Charlie Fowler

UPDATED! See pictures from the Joss tournament. Thanks again to all the players and fans for your support of Diamond Eight — it was a pleasure having you!

45 of the top pool players in the Northeast gathered at Diamond Eight on Saturday, January 19, 2008 to compete in Mike Zuglan’s Northeast 9-Ball Tour, sponsored by Joss Cues. Diamond Eight regular Tom Acciavatti made a strong showing but fell short in two consecutive hill matches against Norm Pomainville and Mike Zuglan. Tour regulars Bucky Souvanthong and Liz Ford also saw early exits, with Mike Zuglan edging out Bucky while Jeff Smolen held off a late comeback by Liz.

8 players remain to determine the top spots. On the winner’s side, Norm Pomainville will face Tony Choham and Shin Park will meet Joey Korsiak. On the one-loss side, Matt Terault will face Marc Vidal and Redgie Cutler will meet Mike Zuglan. Sunday matches begin at 11am.

Dave Varano, Tom Acciavatti, Chance Chin and Charlie Fowler tied for the 9th place spot.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Slosek’s Music & Amusement, Adirondack Area Network and Mark the Shark!