Region IV-4 United States Team Regional Playoffs
July 23rd 2006

As the clock ticked closer to the start time I noticed some interesting absences. Steve Hertzfeld had been called away to attend his grandson’s birthday party. And also missing was Gordon Dixon, Isen Veljic, and Gary Mawson. The organizers informed up that for $17.50 per man we could send three men to the nationals. Knowing Isen and Gary had planned on playing, and their entries would virtually assure a third national qualifier I quickly called Isen to make sure they were on the way and didn’t get shut out. A freshly awaken Isen answered and informed me that they had decided to skip play that day. A vote was taken and everyone decided to fight out for the 2 spots and let the alternate decide to pay the $330.00 dollars to go.

The field was split into two sections of 9 players and play would consist of round robin matches 3 full games of 501 per. Three players from each bracket would advance to a final bracket of 6, with the top 2 players advancing to the finals in Denver.

After sneaking through my first match 2-1 my game picked up some steam. A splattering of 11 and 13 darters mixed with some solid games paved the way through the next few matches. In the end, it was Dave Feldpusch and Ray Knispel joining me for a slot in the final bracket. Emerging from the other bracket was Dan Carroll, Aaron Russell, and Steve Bodjiak respectively.

My first match of the final bracket I drew Dan Carroll. Dan is a very dangerous player with a lot of confidence to match his skill. On the strength of a nice 12darter including a 154 finish Dan comes out on top 2-1. Not an ideal start but I figured that match would go 2-1 either way. Both Dan and I continue throwing quality darts never dropping a match for the rest of the day. In the end, we pulled clear of the field and left Aaron Russell and Steve Bodjiak in a tie for third with 6wins apiece. After the playoff Steve emerged the official alternate.

The next step is the National Finals in Denver Colorado. If I can display a good showing it will mean a trip to next year’s World Cup in Holland. I am looking forward to the opportunity to represent America in International competition. Time to hit the practice board!!