Andrew Ponzi (January 20, 1903 – April 11, 1950) was an American pool player and world champion.
| Born | 20 January 1903 Philadelphia, United States |
|---|---|
| Died | 11 April 1950 (aged 47) Philadelphia, United States[1] |
| Sport country |  United States |
| Professional | 1919 |
| Pool games | Straight Pool |
| Tournament wins | |
| World Champion | Four-time straight pool world champion |
Biography edit
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.[2]
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.[3]
In 1934, Ponzi won his first world pool title by defeating Erwin Rudolph.[2]
Ponzi won the world title again in 1940 by besting Jimmy Caras.[4][full citation needed]
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.[3]
Ponzi was inducted in the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1988.[7]
References edit
- ^ "Chicago Tribune". 1950. Retrieved December 27, 2018.
- ^ a b "Ponzi Defeats Erwin Rudolph for Cue Crown". Chicago Tribune. March 1, 1934. pp. 1, 25.
- ^ a b "Ponzi Dies at 47; Former Cue Titlist". The Philadelphia Inquirer. April 12, 1950. p. 37.
- ^ "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. (2005). Billiards: The Official Rules and Records Book. Billiard Congress of America. p. 156. ISBN 1-59228-744-1.
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