Here's Johnny-Carson Wins Viking Open EventBy Bill RosenbergerThe Viking Cue Open 9-Ball Tour hit Johnson City, TN, on December 18-19, 2004, with three headlines emerging. Johnny Carson won the event; 70-year-old Gene Absher and his smooth stroke took second; and the host, Numan's Billiards, was described as a pool oasis.Dan and Jan Numan not only run the poolroom but also make and sell a lot of their own tables, lights, and spectator chairs. Tournament director Mike Janis said eleven of the 9-foot tables were made by Numan himself. "I was very impressed when I walked in the door," stated Janis. "And we played on his tables, and they were magnificent." He also said that Numan's was such a great place that they booked another event on February 5-6, 2005. The play on the tables was just as good as the tables themselves. Carson, Absher, and Jeff Abernathy led the field down the home stretch. Absher, the veteran, made the game look simple in his matches, going undefeated and reaching the hot seat against Carson. But Carson was also dominating the tables, only giving up 13 games heading into his match with Absher. Carson continued his strong play, nearly shutting out Absher 9-1. Abernathy had to work through the one-loss side on Sunday, ousting Doug Schulz 9-7 to reach the semifinals against Absher. Again the score was 9-7, but Abernathy was on the wrong end as Absher advanced to the finals against Carson. In the finals, Absher gave it his all, putting up five games, but Carson was just too strong, winning the event 9-5.Results:1st Johnny Carson $800 2nd Gene Absher $5503rd Jeff Abernathy $3504th Doug Schulz $2105th Mike Poore, Anthony Morgan $1007th Mike Janis, Frank Dugger $75 Visit InsidePOOL for the latest news from the Viking Cue Open 9-Ball Tour.

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