The Patriot Cup
February 15 - 17, 2002 Planet 9 Ball Tampa, Florida The Patriot Cup got underway friday evening with an exhibition for the fans with all the proceeds going to the Disaster Relief Fund. The night got started with 5 events held using a blind draw method. Tournament director Max Eberle drew names of players and what game they would play from a hat to determine the matchups. The first event saw Charlie Williams from Team Predator drawing World 9-Ball Champion Mika Immonen from Team Joss for a 9-Ball match to three games. Williams looked ready to score the first victory as he was running out in game three with a 2-0 lead but a scratch on a kick shot let Mika to an open table and he wasted no time winning this and the next two games for the 3-2 victory. The next event would see Ray Martin play Mike Zuglan in a 14.1 race to 50. Most fans expected this match to go the way of Team Florida as Martin is arguably one of the best straight pool players alive. It was not meant to be however, as Zuglan won the short race 50-29. Team Predator would score their first win in the third match of the night as Buddy Hall defeated George San Souci in a one pocket race to one game. The momentum however would not last, as Team Joss scored the next victory as Tony Robles defeated Tommy Kennedy 2-1 in eight ball. Team Predator was able to end the night on a positive note as Nick Varner defeated Frankie Hernandez 1-0 in bank pool. With the exhibition out of the way, the fans got a chance to get involved and challenge the champions for prizes donated by Joss Cues and Predator Cues. The fans were also treated to surprise appearances by two special guests. Mike Sigel and Richie Richeson dropped in on the event and participated in the pro-am event. After all was said and done, the event raised over $1000 for the disaster relief fund and got the crowd ready for some great pool over the next two days. |