Gabe was then matched against winners bracket loser Danny Basavich.

Danny, too, had gone hill-hill In his match with Corey in the winner's bracket finals. Deuel held tight after a tension filled runout to take the hot seat. There he sat, waiting for the result of Owen versus Basavich.

Danny seemed more focused than Gabe who lost his "serve"--twice-- In the opening racks of the semi finals o­n this alternate break format. He seemed exhausted and resigned to defeat as Basavitch sent him home at 7-3. What a great tournament for Gabe--2004 US Open Champion, followed by third in o­ne the of the toughest fields ever.

The Deuel-Basavich Finals will be o­ne to remember when seen o­n ESPN. At first Corey took the lead then they got even. All Danny had to do now was hold his serve. Then he lost It. Then Deuel took the lead and then he lost It. Now we are at 6-6.

 They battled over control of that rack with safety after safety, the audience loving every stroke of it. Danny got the shot. All he had to do was run out--until that pesky little 8 ball hung In the jaws. He'll be thinking about that o­ne for a while. All Is not lost though. Danny's prior wins and finish assured him of The UPA Rookie of the Year Award.

Corey will happily settle for UPA Pro Tour Championship.

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