The annual National Championships for American CueSports Association was held May 13-20 in Las Vegas at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. There is a long history of Nova Scotia players trekking to Vegas during the month of May to compete in league Nationals. The pinnacle of finishes in Vegas may be Dave Boone’s 2nd Place finish in Open 8-Ball Singles in 1999.
Fast forward to 2017 to find Dave Boone right in the mix again. This time Boone was competing in the ACS Men’s Advanced 8-Ball Singles. The field size was certainly smaller than in 1999 Open Division, but all 29 competitors in the Advanced Division were legitimate threats to win. Boone navigated his way without a loss to the final 4 on the A-Side, with wins over Jimmy Moore, Nevada, and Doug Fahey, Minnesota, before dropping his next match to Donny Branson, Nevada. Boone didn’t miss a beat, continuing on the B-Side with wins over Jordan Rothermel and Jenman Luk, both of Alberta, and then gained revenge on Branson, moving past him to book a spot in the Final. Here Boone would meet Dustin Gunia of Nebraska, a former champion known for his prowess on 7-foot tables. Boone would have to beat Gunia twice to take the title, but that was not to be as the first set was all Gunia. As Runner-Up, Boone took home $1500 US, and added to his long list of successful events in Las Vegas spanning more than 20 years. Boone also earned $200 for 9-12th finish among 145 players in Men’s 9-Ball Singles (handicapped).
Here is a recap of other Nova Scotians who cashed.
Riley MacDonald placed 7-8th in a 116 player field in Men’s Standard 8-Ball Singles, good for $425. Riley also placed 13-16th in Men’s 9-Ball Singles (handicapped), taking home another $150. Mike Cann earned a cheque in Men’s 9-Ball Singles, tallying $75 for 33-48th place finish.
Christine Drysdale earned $275 for 4th place in Women’s Standard 8-Ball Singles, out of 68 ladies. Monette McCue was 17-24th in the same division, with a payday of $50.
Leigh Ann Giles was 7-8th in Women’s Open 8-Ball Singles. Giles received $275 for her finish in the field of 52 women.
The duo of Alix Carr and Gary Kelly made $175 for 7-8th finish out of 41 pairs in Standard Scotch Doubles 8-Ball.
Nok Mantonlino had two cash finishes. Mantolino was 17-24th in Men’s Open 8-Ball Singles in the field of 107, pocketing $175. Mantonlino also earned $100 for a 3-4th placing in Men’s 9-Ball Singles Second Chance (handicapped).
In the Second Chance Men’s Open 8-Ball Singles event, 3 Nova Scotians placed well. Chris Bright shot his way to 2nd place and $200. Glenn Nickerson came in just behind in 3rd-4th for $100. Trevor Poole was 7-8th, good for $50.
Thumbs up to all that cashed, and also to those that participated this year.
Complete Brackets for all 2017 ACS National Events can be found here