1917 World Straight Pool Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Frank Taberski
2	James Maturo

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

In January 1917, Frank "The Gray Fox" Taberski successfully defended his world straight pool championship against challenger James Maturo of Kansas City. This defense extended Taberski's winning streak in professional pocket billiards.

Taberski had captured the world title in 1916 by defeating Johnny Layton and then retained it against Ralph Greenleaf. The 28-year-old from Schenectady, New York, had turned professional two years earlier after attending a pocket billiard championship in New York City. He had previously worked as a milk delivery man before pursuing billiards professionally.

His opponent, James Maturo, was born in 1878 and had reached multiple World Straight Pool Championship finals throughout his career. The Denver native had defeated Alfredo de Oro 150 to 136 in Philadelphia in 1912, earning his shot at the world championship.

The championship format featured challenge matches played to 450 points, with the winner receiving a ruby and diamond studded gold medal. Under the rules of the era, any player who won 10 consecutive challenge matches would keep the medal permanently—a feat that even Alfredo DeOro had not accomplished, managing only five straight defenses.

Taberski's victory over Maturo was another step in his historic run. By 1918, he had won 10 consecutive challenge matches and claimed permanent possession of the championship medal. He temporarily retired that same year. The Gray Fox ultimately won 14 world titles during his career and became recognized as one of the greatest straight pool players in history.

Sources: Frank Taberski – Wikipedia James Maturo – Wikipedia

This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.