Defending U.S. Open champion Van Boening is the number one seed going into the 2008 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship. 237 billiard players have thrown their hat into the ring to compete for the title this year.

A total of 237 billiards players gathered Saturday night for the players’ meeting at the 33rd Annual U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. The event begins Sunday morning with 11 a.m. matches.

Following the meeting was open practice for the players as the draw was put together. Most waited anxiously in the hallway while they finished the draw. Some electrical issues in the building earlier in the evening, causing an evacuation, may have delayed the brackets from being posted sooner.

View the 2008 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship tournament brackets (updated after each round)

View the 2008 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship image gallery

  

See the 2008 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship Live

See the 2008 U.S. Open live

The format remains double elimination, race to 11, with a single set race to 13 in the finals, and winner breaks. There was some controversy as to whether or not iPods and/or headphones would be allowed, with the rules remaining firm and not allowing either during match play.

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