Andrew Ponzi
Andrew Ponzi (January 20, 1903–April 11, 1950) was an American pool player and world champion.
Biography
Andrew Ponzi was born Andrew D'Allesandro in Philadelphia. As a boy, he injured his right hand as a result of a trolley mishap. He went on to improve it by practicing pool.[1]
At 16, D'Allesandro was already a skilled player who won numerous money matches. By that time, the infamous swindler, Charles Ponzi, was in the press. Thus friends gave him the nickname Ponzi.[2]
In 1934, Ponzi won his first world pool title by defeating Erwin Rudolph.[3]
Ponzi won the world title again in 1940 by besting Jimmy Caras.[4]
In 1943, Ponzi won his third world championship, subduing Willie Mosconi.[5] He won the world title for the fourth and final time by defeating Irving Crane that same year.[6]
He suffered a heart attack while participating in a tournament in 1950. He died two weeks later at age 47.[2]
Ponzi was inducted in the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1988.[7]
References
- ^ "Ponzi Dies at 47; Former Cue Titlist". Chicago Tribune. April 12, 1950. p. 1.
- ^ a b "Ponzi Dies at 47; Former Cue Titlist". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 12, 1950. p. 37.
- ^ "PONZI DEFEATS ERWIN RUDOLPH FOR CUE CROWN". Chicago Tribune. March 1, 1934. p. 25.
- ^ "Andrew Ponzi Displaces Caras as Cue Champion". The Morning News. April 29, 1940. p. 16.
- ^ "Ponzi Regains World Pocket Billiards Title". San Bernardino Sun. April 19, 1943. p. 7.
- ^ "Crane Cinch To Annex Cue Crown, Ponzi Says A BIG TIME". Democrat and Chronicle. December 13, 1943. p. 21.
- ^ Dyer, R.A. (May 1, 2005). Billiards: The Official Rules and Records Book. p. 156. ISBN 1-59228-744-1.
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