32nd U.S. Open Begins With Bangs From Past Winners

Sternest 9-ball field prepares for draw, Schmidt and Reyes make noise in their specialties

by Paul Berg, InsidePOOL Magazine Staff

The most coveted crown in the home of 9-ball goes up for grabs this evening, as a field of 232 at press time representing 25 countries awaits the opening draw. From aspiring American road stragglers and hungry European stars to the full might of the feared Philippines, the great mix that descends upon Virginia for promoter Barry Behrman’s amazing national title has never been more diverse. From the site of the 32nd U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships at the Chesapeake Conference Center to the backroom action at Behrman’s Q-Master Billiards II in Virginia Beach, the stage is set for greatness from tonight through Saturday.

Efren “The Magician” Reyes is no stranger to the spotlight here. Winner of the Open in 1994 and also the Mid-Atlantic 9-Ball Classic here 2003, Reyes overcame a field of 30 at Q-Masters in a warm-up one-pocket tournament. Falling in the hot seat match 3-1 to Francisco Bustamante, Reyes roared back in the shortened one-loss match that followed, closing the 2-0 victory over Rafael Martinez-Chavez with a 10-and-out run that signaled his intent in the finals.

Reyes flip-flopped the earlier 3-1 result to his countryman, displaying the fantastic strategy and unbelievable offensive firepower that he is known for in the tactical discipline. Reyes is universally hailed as the world’s greatest one-pocket player, but reigning Open champion John “Mr. 400” Schmidt has his own niche. In the revered game of straight pool, known to dedicated fans as the country’s first championship-caliber pocket game and casual enthusiasts as Fast Eddie’s money-maker in “The Hustler,” Schmidt is a master. In the midst of Reyes’ finals triumph in one-pocket in the backroom, Schmidt was out in the front of the building running a new personal best.

With slight changes to the classic format, a smaller break box, and a champions’ consensus move of the finals to one race to 13 from 11 the most notable, two rounds of play will take place tonight. Stay tuned to InsidePOOLmag.com for news from the opening rounds of the U.S. Open as the draw for the national 9-ball pinnacle is underway.

Don't forget to tune into the live broadcasts from the U.S. Open at BCn.  The Inside POOL Magazien Xtreme Pressbox will also be broadcast on the Billiards Podcast by Inside POOL Magazine.  

View the FREE podcast at iTunes

View the Billiards Podcast by Inside POOL Magazine list