March 2 & 3 2001. Waterville Me.
36 players challenged mother nature in the worst snow storm of the season to play in Mike Zuglan's Joss Northeast 9-Ball Tours 17th event of the season. Adding $1500 TJ and Debbie LaFlamme were as always one of the most hospitable and entertaining host on the tour. In the field we had past Joss champions Mike Zuglan, Ryan McCreesh, Robbie Saez, Joe Tucker and Dan Basavich, along with other strong players. Representing the women players we had Karen Corr, Julie Kelly, Nicole Mancini and Tiffany Nelson all players on the Women's pro tour.

Saturdays matches were great for the local spectators to watch with some upsets and a lot of great games. Dan Basavich got sent home early by Carlos Vieira and Mike Davis. Joe Tucker also could not get to the cash getting beat by Lee French and Nicole Mancini. Host and great Maine player TJ LaFlamme ended up one match short of the cash falling to Ryan McCreesh and Rob Saez. Making it through the day unbeaten would be Lee French, Carlos Vieira, Ryan McCreesh and Mike Zuglan. On the one loss side we had Mike Davis, Mike Pomerleau, Jeff LaFlamme and Rob Saez.

Sunday saw some great play. All eight of these players played well and none really had a bad match. Ryan McCreesh, who has been knocking on the winners door all season long, sent Zuglan and Vieira to the one loss side to earn the "Hot Seat" while on the other side of the chart it was Zuglan getting to the finals. But this was to be Ryan's day and even Mike could not get past 5 against him. His break was as strong as ever and I did not see him miss a ball. Winning his first event of the season and his third Joss event over all, Ryan deserved the cash and the really great clock trophy.

It was really pleasant playing in a non smoking environment and no one, even the smokers, complained about having to go outside. TJ's Classic Billiards has always been a great room to play in and most of the players have always had a great time there. If you ever go north, go to Waterville and see TJ and Debbie LaFlamme, they are two of the best people in the pool world.

Final Standings:
1.   $1400   Ryan McCreesh
2.   $900   Mike Zuglan
3.   $650   Carlos Vieira
4.   $480   Lee French
5/   $300   Mike Davis
6               Rob Saez
7/   $170   Jeff LaFlamme
8               Mike Pomerleau

By: Pat Murray