Bogie Uzdejczyk, Michael Aro and Koka Davladze
Michael Aro won the first ever Tri-State Tour stop that was held at House of Billiards in Staten Island back in October. He returned on Saturday, May 11 to chalk up another undefeated win. He was challenged in the finals by Bogie Uzdejczyk, who'd won three on the loss side to face him. the $750-added, A-D handicapped event drew 30 entrants to House of Billiards.
Aro's campaign opened with victories over Wade Alston, Juan Maldonado (a shutout), and Sam Smuke, which put him among the winners' side final four, for a match against Thomas Rice. Uzdejczyk, in the meantime, squared off against Koka Davladze in the other winners' side semifinal. Aro chalked up his second shutout, sending Rice west, as Davladze downed Uzdejczyk 7-2. Aro got into the hot seat 8-6 over Davladze and waited on the return of Uzdejczyk.
Uzdejczyk began his march back to the finals against Ron Gabia, who'd defeated Carl Yusuf Khan and Paul Spaanstra, both 7-5, to reach him. The 14-year-old Rice drew Gerard Nahay, who'd gotten by Luis Lopez 6-5 and Pat Mareno 6-4. Nahay handed Rice his second straight loss 6-4, as Uzdejczyk was busy surviving a double hill battle against Gabia.
Uzdejczyk took the quarterfinal contest 8-6 over Nahay, and then, in a re-match against Davladze downed him 7-4 for a shot against aro.
Aro chalked up three straight to open the final proceedings, but Uzdejczyk responded with a six-pack. Aro won the 10th rack, and Uzdejczyk, the 11th. The last three, though, all went to Aro as he completed his undefeated run to claim the event title.
Tour representatives thanked the ownership and staff at House of Billiards for their continuing support, as well as sponsors Sterling-Gaming, Ozone Billiards, Poison Cues, Ron Tarr Cues, Kamui Tips, Phil Capelle, BlueBook Publishing, and Human Kinetics. The next stop on the Tri-State Tour, a $1,500-added, A-D handicapped event, is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, at Gotham City Billiards in Brooklyn, NY.
