The new flight of our Straight Pool league begins tonight, Thursday, Feb. 2! Practice at 6pm, play at 7pm. Read an overview of the league.

Congratulations to Arkley Mastro who took 1st place in a small but competitive field to win the 2011 Fall Flight of Diamond Eight’s Straight Pool league. Ernie Mumford made a strong showing by placing 2nd with Ron Palka and Jerry Argay rounding out the field.

The final standings:

1. Arkely Mastro
2. Ernie Mumford
3. Ron Palka
4. Jerry Argay

Congratulations to Rich Kriz, longtime league member at Diamond Eight, who edged out Ed Littell to win the 2011 Summer Flight of the 14and1.com Straight Pool league by 1 point. Rich finished with 57 points, with Ed coming in second with 56. Both players are now qualified for the 2011 14and1.com National Championships, to be held at Diamond Eight Billiards over the September 24th weekend. Ron Palka made a strong showing at 3rd place, with 52 points and Frank Bogardus rounded out the top 4 with 48 points.

The final standings:

1. Rich Kriz (57)
2. Ed Littell (56)
3. Ron Palka (52)
4. Frank Bogardus (48)
5. Ed Skawinski (47)
6. Ernie Mumford (41)
7. Jerry Argay (32)

Congratulations to Tom Acciavatti who avenged his 2nd place showing 2 years ago to take first place in the 2010 14and1.com National Championship. Congrats also to Roger Bouchard, who played in the Diamond Eight league, for his 5th place showing. Thanks to everyone who has played this past year and we are looking forward to another successful year in Straight Pool!

From 14and1.com: When the test of skills that only 14.1 can produce was completed, our 2008 runner-up Tom Acciavatti representing Diamond Eight Billiards in Latham, NY proved to be to tough this year, besting Angelito Carpio playing out of D&D Family Billiards in Thorndale, PA in the finals. Andy Walker out of Fenton, Michigan finished a strong 3rd this year besting his 4th place finish last year. Ray Hart playing out of Hippo’s House of Billiards in Yorkville, NY finished out the top 4 with a great showing.

14and1.com Nationals Top 8 order of finish 2010

1) Tom Acciavatti – Latham, NY
2) Angelito Carpio – Thorndale, PA
3) Andy Walker – Fenton, Michigan
4) Ray Hart – Yorkville, NY
5+6) Joe Stern – Thorndale, PA
5+6) Louis Johnson – Thorndale, PA
7+8) Roger Bouchard – Bennington, VT
7+8) Coby Atkins – Thorndale, PA

Brian Mason who played out of Diamond Eight on the “Intimid8ers” Sunday night team, has passed away at the age of 62. Brian was great to talk to and fun to compete against. He had a great attitude about winning and losing that set an example for the rest of the league. Words cannot express our sadness, and our hearts break for his family and friends. Please share your thoughts in the comments. More information, and express your condolences with Brian’s family, at the Times Union site.

The first session of Diamond Eight’s Straight Pool league was a great success! The last few weeks of play were very intense, even though Chris Smith had clinched the first-place victory, as players vied for the 2nd place spot and the chance to compete in the 14and1.com National Championship, held in Atlantic City in May. Tom Acciavatti defeated Paul Picard in the last week to overtake a slim lead by John Rich, who finished 3rd. Mike Vinson finished 4th, while Paul Picard took the 5th place spot. Stefan Mendrick, Ed Skawinski, Joe Griffin, and Jason Hickman rounded out the 9-player field.

Chris and Tom, in addition to their cash winnings, have qualified for the 14and1.com National Championship, which will be held May 29, 30 & 31st, 2009 at the Atlantic City Billiard Club in Egg Harbor, NJ (near Atlantic City). They will compete against players who have qualified in similar leagues around the country.

Congrats to all the players and thanks for a GREAT session! It was fun and educational!

The next Straight Pool session will begin Thursday, January 15th. Players’ meeting will start at 7pm, with play immediately following. Any questions, do not hesitate to contact us via the Contact form or email me at ed@diamondeight.com.