Gentile falls in quest for Rock, Paper, Scissors title

by Kevin Devaney Jr.
The Journal News

Hans Gentile III never regretted throwing down his fist as much as yesterday afternoon.

The 25-year old from Pleasantville was beaten in the round of 32 of the second annual USA Rock, Paper, Scissors championship at Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

In the best-of-three round, Gentile was beaten 2-1. On the deciding throw, Gentile threw rock, and his opponent surprised him with paper.

"I underestimated paper," Gentile said. "I always do."

The defeat shocked Gentile, who this week guaranteed he'd come home with a championship and the $50,000 first-place prize.

Gentile was well on his way Saturday, winning his first match among the field of 325 by forfeit and pulling out 2-1 and 2-0 victories later in the day.

In the round of 64 yesterday morning, Gentile advanced with a 2-0 win before getting knocked out in the next round.

Gentile, who won local qualifying events in Pleasantville and Katonah to reach the finals in Las Vegas, was crushed by the defeat. He does, however, plan to return next year - and return with a title.

"I was disappointed when I first lost," Gentile said. "But hey, I got to go to Vegas for four days with my buddy on Bud Light's dime. How upset can I be?"