Turning Stone Classic
Wins Turning Stone Classic Number Six There are very few times that Shane Van Boening’s resume comes up short against any player in the game today, but one of those rare instances is at the Turning Stone Classic at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, NY.
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oming in to the 33rd running of this event, on January 9th 12th, Van Boening had won the title five times. That feat was one trophy short though, of Johnny Archer and Jayson Shaw, who had both won the title a total of six times each. Van Boening righted that wrong in style though, with an undefeated run to collect trophy number six. Van Boening started off his campaign with comfortable wins over Tom
32 | Billiards Buzz • February 2020
Acciavatti, Aaron Greenwood, Paul Dryden and Joss Tour regular Joey Dupuis. That was when things got a little uncomfortable for The South Dakota Kid. Van Boening drew “The Giant Killer” Jeremy Sossei, and Sossei was living up to his nickname at this event. Already with wins over James Aranas and Billy Thorpe, Sossei controlled the table to a 7-2 lead over Van Boening. With his back to the wall, looking at a long Sunday if he had to battle back from the one loss side,
Van Boening did what he has done so many times in his career and found yet another gear in his game. “Jeremy had good rolls at the beginning and played well. I sat in the chair and changed my thoughts a bit and just had fun and played the game like I’m suppose to win.” said Van Boening. Van Boening won seven of the next eight racks to win the match 9-8. “He has a propensity for making these comebacks on me” said Sossei. “did the same thing a few months ago at