Trick Shot Tourney ‘Racks’ Up In Huntington

By Andrew Wroblewski

awroblewski@longislandergroup.com

From left: Joe Maresca, Gordon Hedges, Dave Nangle, Andy Segal, Will Deyonker, Jim Glanville, Curt Gelinas, Andrew Sozio, Jamey Gray and Paul Danno – some of the best billiards trick shot players in the world – after Saturday’s tournament in Huntington.

At first glance on Saturday, the crowd of people surrounding the billiards tables at The Big Kahuna bar and grill in Huntington might have been indicative of just a typical afternoon 8- or 9-ball tournament.

But with cue balls resting on top of 8-balls, obstacles littering the tables and dominoes-esque shots being pocketed left and right by some of the best billiards trick-shot artists in the world, it would soon become apparent that there was more than immediately met the eye.

Andy “The Magic Man” Segal, a Huntington resident and the top-ranked billiards trick shot artist in the world, took to the tables alongside nine others in a round robin-style tournament that ended in a final showdown between Segal and Will Deyonker.

Andy “The Magic Man” Segal, right, the top-ranked billiards trick shot artist in the world, stands beside Jamey “Sharpshooter” Gray, the second-ranked artist in the world.

Segal ultimately claimed the top prize, with Deyonker taking second and second-ranked artist Jamey Gray finishing tied for third with Jim Glanville. Fourth place was split between Gordon Hedges and Dave Nangle and seventh place was shared amongst Joe Maresca, Curt Gelinas, Paul Danno and Andrew Sozio. Additional medals were awarded to Glanville for most creative shot and Maresca, a first-time competitor who earned the sportsmanship award.