As usual, Gao drops the first game, this time 11-5. But this match will seesaw all the way to the end. Gao tries dragging Kamkar-Parsi wide, and the lefty uses every tactic he knows to make Homie cover more court, back off the table. Kamkar-Parsi’s service game is excellent, and his heart is very big, a very determined player, more likely to dive for a ball than to stand flat-footed and watch it sail away. Gao takes the second 11-5, Kamkar-Parsi strikes back 11-9 in the third. Gao seems to open up the door for his victory 11-8 and then a convincing 11-3 in the fifth to go in front 3 games to 2. But as I stated, no quit in Kamkar-Parsi! 11-8 and the two are tied three apiece. But there isn’t enough left in the tank to stand up to Gao’s withering attack, and 11-6 in the seventh game, he wins the Semifinal and makes himself the first of our two Finalists.

Finally the New Jersey element gets its chance to cheer for Adam, and shot by shot he gives them plenty to cheer! There’s no denying the skill, the dash, the fine shot-making of Adam Hugh. The problem is, and this throws a damper on his supporters, it just isn’t quite enough. Praddy, 11-9. Praddy 11-7, Praddy, 11-9. But trailing in the fourth game, Adam puts pedal to the medal, and talking himself through it, takes the fourth game in deuce, 12-10. Having finally given his ‘peeps’ a rallying point, Praddy takes it away 11-4 in the fifth and final game.

Championship Match

Only two players were now left in the quest for the biggest check, the title of STIGA Open Champ and the glory of ‘Final Victory’. I had to feel good to see two gentlemen involved in that match, as both Gao and Peter-Paul had been ‘trouble-free’ participants. This final also marked the deepest penetration Gao had ever mustered at a STIGA NA Tour Stop. So there was some satisfaction as well in knowing he’d have his biggest payday yet, as both players were assured of at least the $800 Finalist’s prize. Naturally though, both men were aiming for the $2,000 one! Only two players were now left in the quest for the biggest check, the title of STIGA Open Champ and the glory of ‘Final Victory’. I had to feel good to see two gentlemen involved in that match, as both Gao and Peter-Paul had been ‘trouble-free’ participants. This final also marked the deepest penetration Gao had ever mustered at a STIGA NA Tour Stop. So there was some satisfaction as well in knowing he’d have his biggest payday yet, as both players were assured of at least the $800 Finalist’s prize. Naturally though, both men were aiming for the $2,000 one!