Ussery Nails Down Tour Victory

The Fury Carolina Amateur 9-Ball Tour held its stop at the newly remodeled Smoking Cue in Charlotte, NC, o­n September 18-19.  The 16 Gold Crowns provided excellent playing for the field of 26, especially Southeast terror B.J. Ussery. 

Ussery's and Jeff Abernathy's paths to the finals were different, but each found his way there in what would be a close and exciting match.  Ussery plowed his way there the easy way - by going undefeated.  Abernathy, though, had to face a rematch with Eddie Little before making his way to the final match.

Abernathy first faced Little early o­n Sunday but was sent to the o­ne-loss bracket after a 7-4 loss.  He then strung together four straight victories to stay alive and advance to the semifinals.

In the winners' bracket, Ussery made his way to the hot seat by besting newcomers Tim Adams and Bob Ruffalo by a combined score of 14-1.  Little did his part by making his way to the hot seat for an anticipated face-off.  The match stayed close early, but Ussery worked the table well and staved off Little 7-4.

The semifinals rematch between Little and Abernathy was set, and this time Abernathy was ready.  He made key shots and got some rolls to go his way, ousting Little 5-2.

In the final match, Ussery jumped in front 2-0, but Abernathy was determined to give him a run for his money and took the next two games to tie it at 2.  The match looked like it was going to be a hill match as the score climbed to 5-5 by the tenth game. Abernathy jumped ahead 6-5, but his lead was short-lived as Ussery took the next four games for a 9- 6 victory.

Results:

1st  BJ Ussery $415

2nd Jeff Abernathy $245

3rd Eddie Little $165

4th Jeff Pruitt $95

5th Bob Ruffalo, David Lear $50