History of The U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships

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 35 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:

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 the seven years (2001-2008), 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, 2008-Mika immonen.

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. 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.

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”.

Former U.S.Open Champions
Your Name Here Register Now 2012	Darren Appleton England 2011	Darren Appleton England 2010
Mika Immonen Finland 2009	Mika Immonen Finland 2008	Shane Van Boening South Dakota 2007
John Schmidt Florida 2006	Alex Pagulayan Canada Canada 2005	Gabe Owen Kansas 2004
Corey Deuel Ohio 2001	Ralf Souquet Germany 2002	Jeremy Jones Texas 2003
Reed Pierce Mississippi 1995	Rodney Morris Hawaii 1996	Johnny Archer Georgia 1999
Efren Reyes Philippines 1994	Mike Le'Bron Pennsylvania 1988	Tommy Kennedy Florida 1992
Earl Strickland North Carolina 1984,1987,1993, 1997,2000	Jimmy Reid Florida 1985	Buddy Hall Illinois 1991,1998
Louie Roberts Missouri 1979	David Howard Florida 1982,1986	Nick Varner Kentucky 1989,1990
Mike Sigel New York 1976,1980,1983	Allen Hopkins New Jersey 1977,1981	Steve Mizerek New Jersey 1978