New billiards club opening with a touch of magic, comedy

Saturday Allan Cornia opens the doors to his new “Legends Billiard Club” and appearing at the grand opening is trick shot world record holder Mike Massey. The club is located on Highway 89/91 in Nibley just opposite Petersen’s Country Store. Cornia, a Cache Valley native and an accomplished tournament billiard player himself, called on a longtime acquaintance when he learned Massey would be in Utah before leaving for tournaments in Las Vegas and Spain. “I met Mike a number of years ago in California, I have played him in pool before. When I learned he was available, we talked, and he told me he would love to come up and be a part of our grand opening.” Widely considered the world’s best trick shot artist, six years ago Massey was inducted into the prestigious Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. He is a five-time ESPN Trick Shot Magic Champion. Massey has also won professional tournaments worldwide in a variety of formats. Massey has performed trick shot exhibitions in more than 40 countries. Cornia said when Massey begins his show he will want to take on local players in nine ball before moving into the formal part of his program. “He does a fantastic exhibition, a lot of comedy. He’s definitely an entertainer and he does have some magic in his show, as well.” The new club is equipped with seven, seven-foot tables and a nine-foot table. “I’m planning to have major regional tournaments at the club,” said Cornia. “I have a lot of friends in the pool community from Boise to Provo, plus some people in California who have an interest in coming into town.” In addition to his love of billiards, Cornia said he has been doing comedy close-up magic for nearly 30 years. He is a performing member of the Magic Castle in Hollywood. “I’ve been fortunate to perform for major celebrities like Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, Tony Curtis, Jim Garner, Fleetwood Mac, Chuck Norris and Steve Martin, to name a few.” Cornia recently met Richard Hatch, local magician and another valley native who has returned to live here. “We found we have a lot of mutual friends in the magic community around the country.” Saturday from 2-8 pm Massey will educate and entertain and demonstrate his skills. A country band will be available later for those wishing to break in the club’s new sprung dance floor. A $5 cover charge will help defray the cost of the event.

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