Ahola Undefeated at Hard Times Billiards

Ahola Undefeated at Hard Times Billiards

USPPA / Sacramento, CA
by Rick Davis
Billiard News – The Untied States Pool Players Association (USPPA) took over Hard Times Billliards in Sacramento, CA, where Gene Ahola bested the 102-player field through the 3-day event that began June 15. With 32 Gold Crown tables available for play, the handicapped double-elimination 9-ball event flew through the races to 8. Although the event was handicapped with no spot giving up more than 5 games, 64% of the matches still found their way to the double-hill mark.
On the winners’ side Ahola met Deo Alpajara in the hot seat match and bested him to become king of the hill. On the one-loss side the remaining handful of players all had their eyes on the prize, a staggering amount over $14,000, thanks to the $8,000-added event. Carl Wilson Jr. ousted Eric Stanley just shy of the quarterfinals, while Mike DeWeese started to gain notice. DeWeese eliminated Gene Peregrino then knocked out Wilson Jr. in the quarterfinals. Continuing to rack up victims, DeWeese sent Alpajara home from the semifinals while he propelled himself to the finals. The action in the last match ground away until finally Ahola took control from DeWeese and claimed the match and event.
Results:
1st Gene Ahola
2nd Mike DeWeese
3rd Deo Alpajara
4th Carl Wilson Jr.
5th Eric Stanley
Gene Peregrino
7th Elmer Biwa
Sylvester Coranado