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'Millionaire' quest ends early for Tampa man

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By JOSE PATINO GIRONA

jpatino@tampatrib.com

Published: August 10, 2009

TAMPA - Brad Abbey was under the lights and on the hot seat as he faced Regis Philbin, the host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire."

With his girlfriend in the audience, Abbey, 26, of Seminole Heights, answered several questions with answers that included "Slumdog Millionaire," purple mountains majesty, macadamia and pacifists.

He had reached the $1,000 level.

But at the $2,000 mark, he answered paintings when the right answer was sausages for a question dealing with "it's better not to see them being made."

"I should have used a lifeline," said Abbey, who watched the 10-year anniversary special episode with friends in Lutz on Sunday night. "I should have called a friend."

But that is Abbey's only regret, he said.

The unemployed commercial banker said he enjoyed the journey to make it on the show.

He said it is tense when you are facing Philbin. He said he was thinking about answering the questions, making the time limit and concentrating on his overall strategy while playing.

"It couldn't be better," said Abbey, who walked away with $1,000. "I had a blast. First time in New York; first time on TV."

Reporter Jose Patino Girona can be reached at (813) 259-7659.

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