Coldwater's Bates takes runner-up honors at APA Champonships

LAS VEGAS – Coldwater resident Ron Bates continues to make a name for himself at the American Poolplayers Association (APA) championships held in Las Vegas back in early May, taking runner-up honors in his bracket

For Bates, winning at the pool table is not a rare thing, as the Coldwater resident has won countless matchups throughout his life, including placing in the top three at the APA National Championships a total of five times, including a championship win in 2015, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place finish.

So, Bates finishing in the money is not a rare accomplishment despite the fact the sport of billiards is one of the toughest to learn.

Do you want to know something about Bates that is rare? Well, Bates happens to compete in a wheelchair after having spent a good portion of his life as a C5-C6 quadriplegic, a life thrust upon Bates after a swimming accident in his youth took away the use of much below his neck.

But losing the use of his lower extremities and much of the feeling in his arms and hands has not slowed down Bates one bit, as can be seen by his runner-up finish at the 2024 APA Wheelchair Championship.

Bates and his championship competitor, five-time defending champion Charlie Hans of Harrison, Ohio., traveled to the PoolDawg Championship Arena on May 4 to determine who would bring home the 2024 title.

After a great match that ultimately went hill-hill, meaning the winner of the next rack of balls wins it all, it was Hans putting away the title by pocketing the 8-on-the-Break, meaning his sank the 8-ball in the corner pocket on the break, winning the crown.

“Usually, I try to outthink my opponents,” Bates said. “I try to let them track themselves, I outsmart them, and make the beat themselves.”

Bates’ effort looked solid, however the 15-time champion, Hans, overcame the odds to take home the crown.

In addition to his wits helping him secure win after win on the pool table, Bates uses a series of self-made implements designed to assist hm in play. Starting with an ingeniously designed glove with a stand on his offhand which allows Bates to move the cue in straight line, while a custom-built bridge allows Bates to reach those shots he normally could not.

Each time he takes to the billiard table Bates is surrounded and cheered on by family and friends. In addition, Bates would like to thank his sponsors that made the trip possible, including Kalchthaler Insurance; Integrity Apparel; Jim’s Place; Willow brook Interiors; Shorts Root Beer Stand; Top Ten Percent; and B&M Plus.

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Bates will undoubtedly return next year as he continues to chase another APA championship, and with his support staff in place, well anything is possible on the pool table, especially for a scrappy fighter like the young man from Coldwater with five podium finishes to his name.

This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater's Bates takes runner-up honors at APA Champonships