Straight Pool, also known as 14.1 Continuous, is one of the most challenging and rewarding cue sports. Its very essence lies in the relentless pursuit of perfection – running rack after rack without giving the opponent a chance to respond.
Over the decades, this game has been graced by some of the most legendary pool players who have etched their names in billiards history by achieving astonishing high runs.
Let’s delve into the records of Straight Pool to commemorate these remarkable feats.
Straight pool records
Willie Mosconi
No discussion of Straight Pool would be complete without mentioning the name of Willie Mosconi. Known for his technical proficiency and strategic brilliance, Mosconi set the world record for the highest run in Straight Pool with 526 consecutive balls during an exhibition match in 1954. This monumental achievement stands testament to Mosconi’s extraordinary skill and remained unbroken for over 60 years.
John Schmidt
John Schmidt, another legendary name in Straight Pool, embarked on a quest to honor Mosconi’s high run. After thousands of hours of practice and countless attempts, he achieved a run of 626 in 2019.
Although it was not officially recognized as a world record due to being accomplished outside of tournament play, it was recorded in its entirety, establishing it as a remarkable achievement in the history of Straight Pool.
Mike Sigel
While exhibition play offers players the freedom to make numerous attempts for high runs, tournaments are a different beast altogether.
In this high-pressure environment, Mike Sigel set an impressive record with a run of 150 during the 1983 Professional Pool Players Association (PPPA) World 14.1 Championship, a feat that has rarely been equaled in professional tournaments. You can watch that run here.
Ralph Greenleaf
Ralph Greenleaf, one of the greatest pool players of his time, is rumored to have made a high run of 126 in a match in 1929. Though not officially recorded, this achievement is often mentioned in billiards lore, highlighting the extraordinary talent that characterized Greenleaf’s career.
Jayson Shaw
January 18, 2022, stands as a historic day in straight pool.
On this remarkable date, Jayson Shaw shattered previous records with an exceptional 14.1 exhibition-high run of 669 balls, surpassing John Schmidt’s impressive run of 626 balls.
The feat was achieved after 5 grueling days of intense concentration and determination, during which Shaw made 122 attempts with runs reaching 380, 397, 407, and a staggering 714. His final record-breaking run lasted an impressive 2 hours and 39 minutes, showcasing an extraordinary display of stamina and precision.
Interestingly, this incredible journey had its share of controversy. Upon a meticulous review of the unedited video by a committee of five appointed by the Billiard Congress of America (BCA), it was noted that Shaw had inadvertently touched an object ball on his 45th shot.
This revelation sparked a subsequent meeting of the BCA rules and regulations committee, culminating in the decision to uphold the World-Standardized Rules for all ball fouls in the interest of maintaining the integrity of high-run attempts.
Despite this minor infringement, the BCA proudly acknowledged and certified Jayson Shaw’s astounding run of 669 as the new 14.1 exhibition record.
Closing Remarks: Celebrating the Greats of Straight Pool
The world of Straight Pool has witnessed numerous incredible high runs, each unique and telling a tale of determination, skill, and mental fortitude. The records set by these legendary players serve as a benchmark for upcoming players and an inspiration for all pool enthusiasts. It is a testament to the thrilling potential of Straight Pool, where the pursuit of perfection never ends.
While the numbers might change, the essence of the game remains the same – it is a sport of endurance, strategy, and impeccable skill.
To the players striving to etch their names into the annals of this esteemed game, remember – every shot counts, and as the great Willie Mosconi said, “Concentration, confidence, and courage… carry the ball to the pocket.”
