To bring this thread back to life -
To bring this thread back to life -
here is a transcript of an article from The National Billiard News, Volume 19, Issue 7 - September 1991(with the typos corrected).
THE LEGENDS OF ONE POCKET PHILADELPHIA STYLE
Starring Jimmy Fusco & Friends
July 18 through 21st 1991
Fifty-five* of the best one-pocket players in the world converged on the Philadelphia Airport Hilton Hotel to compete for $36,500 in prize money.** It was without a question the finest field ever assembled: "Bugs" Rucker, Ronnie Allen, Alan Hopkins, Mike Sigel, Steve Mizerak, Grady Mathews, "Cornbread Red", Jimmy Fusco, Nick Varner, Jim Rempe, Mike LeBron, "Jersey Red", Buddy Hall, Steve Cook, Danny Diliberto, John Ervolino, Bill Incardona and Pete Fusco were among those in attendance.
The first day's activity pared 40 at large players down to 16, who were to play the 16 seeded players on day two. 13 of 16 seeds were victorious, the casualties being Ronnie Allen, Mike Sigel and "Cornbread Red". Allen lost to Ralph Carnes, a newcomer to major tournament competition, while Mike Sigel was bested in a thrilling match by Johnny Ervolino. "Cornbread" was defeated by Roger Griffis.
Third day action featured a field of 16 with no giant surprises. Steve Cook defeated "Bugs" Rucker, 5 to 3, in an especially well-played match and Steve Mizerak edged Bill Incardona, 5 games to 4. The best match, already being talked about as a classic, perhaps the greatest one-pocket match ever, saw Nick Varner defeat Jimmy Fusco 5 to 4.
It was time for the semi-finals: Cook vs. Hopkins and Mizerak vs. Varner. In the former, it reached 4 to 1 in favor of Hopkins and it appeared that it was all over for Steve Cook. Cook, however, had other ideas. One game at a time, with brilliant tactical play and innovative offense, he clawed his way back into the match at 4-4. In game 9, Hopkins and Cook battled until the score was 3 balls each. Cook faced a cross corner bank that was made all the more difficult because 2 balls were wedged deep in Hopkins' pocket. Cook calmly ripped the 9 ball cross the corner, ran out and prepared himself for the finals.
In the other semi-final game, Varner never seemed to get going against an inspired Steve Mizerak. He lost 5 games to 2.
It was time for the grand finale of "The Legends of One Pocket", although it seemed that anything would be anticlimactic after the sterling play of the first three days. What was wrong here? Fans were rapt, delighted with the time-honored and very difficult pursuit of one pocket. Cook and Mizerak! In South Philly! To sell-out crowds! In a well-played contest, Cook proved to be too much for the talented Mizerak and he ultimately prevailed, 5 games to 2.
Order of Finish:
Code:
1 Steve Cook $10,000
2 Steve Mizerak 6,000
3-4 Allen Hopkins 3,500
Nick Varner 3,500
5-8 Buddy Hall 1,500
Danny Diliberto 1,500
Pete Fusco 1,500
Jimmy Fusco 1,500
9-16 "Bugs" Rucker 1,000
Grady Mathews 1,000
Ralph Carnes 1,000
Roger Griffis 1,000
John Ervolino 1,000
Bill Incardona 1,000
Jim Rempe 1,000
Mike LeBron 1,000
The "Legends" events have pooldom abuzz, as one pocket has proven it can stand up to 9 ball or any other pocket billiard game - knowledgeable fans are calling these events the best pool tournaments ever and there is no abatement in sight. A $250,000 added event is scheduled for late 1992, along with the Columbia, S.C. tournament and a return to Philadelphia.
The hosts and promoters, Jimmy Fusco and Grady Mathews, wish to thank the sponsors: Murrey Tables (the equipment was superb), Simonis Cloth, South Philly Billiards, Joss East Cues, Meucci Cues, Tim Scruggs Cues, Black Boar Cues, Huebler Cues, Helmstetter Cues and Centennial Cases.
MY NOTES:
[*There were 56 players registered but Cicero Murphy did not show up due to illness]
[** It was a $300 entry fee, with $20,000 added. The payouts add up to $37,000 so either the sponsors coughed up additional $500 or the actual payouts for the 9-16th place were $937.50, not $1,000]