Diamond Eight once again hosted the APA of Albany’s Local Team Championship, the culminating event of the league year. Teams who qualified during the 2009-2010 season competed in both 8-ball and 9-ball formats. In 8-Ball, Diamond Eight’s “Gone Shootin,” (John Stock) were able to hold on against Diamond Eight’s “Odd Balls” (Ryan Brown) in an extremely tight final match and punch their ticket to Las Vegas, where they will compete in the APA National Team Championships.
The final battle saw “Gone Shootin” ahead 2-1 with the following matches played in a sudden death 1-game format. Tom easily broke and ran the 4th match, putting the teams tied at 2. Scott Winchell then battled Steve Smith in the final and deciding game. (no pressure!) Both players looked at a very difficult table and traded shots until only 3 balls remained. Steve made his last ball, but his draw shot veered short and to the side to sit nearly touching the 8-ball. Steve miscued while hitting the 8-ball which boded well for Scott until the 8-ball ended up blocking Scot’s 7-ball from the corner. Scott played an amazing safe to force Steve to try to kick in the 8. Steve’s shot looked good, but too powerful and the 8-ball landed between the corner and side pockets. Scott made the 7 easily but left himself a tough cut shot in the side on the 8. Somehow the 8 fell and the “Gone Shootin” are gone to Las Vegas!
1st: Gone Shootin: John Stock, Chris Titterton, Ryan Dean, Craig Eagleson, Tracie Aldous and Scott Winchell
2nd: Odd Balls: Captain: Ryan Brown, Scott Lendin, Sanita Baggetta, Tom Acciavatti, Mccrea Manning, Steve Smith, Adam Banker
