Barry Behrman's dream to take 9-Ball, Pool and Billiards to a new level still today becomes a reality as the field stands strong from around the world. Never could have imagined it lasting 33 years and going.
Started in 1976 and Held at Q-Master Billiards in Norfolk VA. Behrman had 15 Players and was praying for a “full field" at that time of 16 and got it at the last moment.
Event Venues:
- Held at Q-Master Billiards, Norfolk VA 1976 – 1983
- Held at Lake Wright Hotel, Norfolk VA 1984
- Held at Q-Master Billiards, Norfolk VA 1985 – 1988
- Held at Lake Wright Hotel, Norfolk VA 1989 - 1990
- Held at Holiday Inn, Chesapeake, VA 1991 – 1995
- Held at Virginia Beach Pavilion 1996
- Held at Chesapeake Conference Center 1997 – Current
The U.S.Open is the most sought after title in Men's Professional Pool. Toughest Tournament in the world to win according to Players which proves last seven years, seven new champions. 2001-Corey Deuel, 2002-Ralf Souquet, 2003-Jeremy Jones, 2004-Gabe Owen, 2005-Alex Pagulayan, 2006-John Schmidt, 2007-Shane Van Boening.
Barry held the Women’s U.S.Open at the same time as the men from 1984 – 1994. Following the 94 event, the WPBA was formed and the Women began their own Tour and U.S.Open soon thereafter.
The tournament format is double elimination (a player is out of the tournament after losing two matches) until two players remain. Most professional pocket billiard double-elimination formats, though, are not true double elimination formats, where the player who reaches the finals from the loser's side has to defeat the winner's side player twice for the title. At the US Open Nine-Ball Championship, matches are played in race to 11, with the winner breaking. However, the final match, as is customary with most professional nine-ball tournaments today, is one extended race. At the US Open Nine-Ball Championship, the extended race in the finals is 13 games. Barry began a new tradition in 2007 which will remain a Race to 13 again this year. “It’s the fair thing to do for both Players” Barry.
Today over 25 Countries are represented. 2008 is expected to be represented by more.
Fans from across the globe attend and mark their calendars year after year to get their VIP seats. The U.S.Open seats approximately 1000. The Fans at the U.S.Open are the most knowledgeable and loyal. Many, many fans have been coming for 20+ years. Beginning April 1st each year, VIP Seats go on sale. Barry, Staff and Players cannot thank you enough.
At the U.S.Open you will also find 20-25 Vendors are on hand showcasing their products, Adding a few first timers in 2008.
The oldest pool player to have ever won the US Open Nine-ball Championship is Mike Lebron, 54 years old. The youngest pool player to have ever won the US Open Nine-Ball Championship was Mike Sigel, 21 years old in 1976.
The U.S.Open has always been open to all men. Any player wishing to put up his entry is entitled to play. This tradition will stay the same. Like Augusta National, “a Tradition Like No Other”.
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Former U.S.Open Champions
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2008
WHO WILL IT BE? |
Shane Van Boening
South Dakota
2007 |
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John Schmidt
Florida
2006 |
Alex Pagulayan
Canada
Canada
2005 |
Gabe Owen
Kansas
2004 |
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Corey Deuel
Ohio
2001 |
Ralf Souquet
Germany
2002 |
Jeremy Jones
Texas
2003 |
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Reed Pierce
Mississippi
1995 |
Rodney Morris
Hawaii
1996 |
Johnny Archer
Georgia
1999 |
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Efren Reyes
Philippines
1994 |
Mike Le'Bron
Pennsylvania
1988 |
Tommy Kennedy
Florida
1992 |
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Earl Strickland
North Carolina
1984,1987,1993,
1997,2000 |
Jimmy Reid
Florida
1985 |
Buddy Hall
Illinois
1991,1998 |
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Louie Roberts
Missouri
1979 |
David Howard
Florida
1982,1986 |
Nick Varner
Kentucky
1989,1990 |
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Mike Sigel
New York
1976,1980,1983 |
Allen Hopkins
New Jersey
1977,1981 |
Steve Mizerek
New Jersey
1978 |
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