THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 24, 1994 TAG: 9409240373
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
The U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship, which has found a home locally since its inception in 1976, may be headed elsewhere next year.
Or it could be headed for bigger and better things in Chesapeake.
``First off, I want to make it clear that I am not threatening to take this tournament someplace else,'' said Don Mackey, commissioner of the Pro Billiards Tour.
``But we are looking for a commitment from the city of Chesapeake that it can accommodate our growth. We must have a convention center to house our tournament if we are to remain here. We must look to the future.''
The tournament is in its fourth year at the Holiday Inn-Chesapeake. It was held for three years before that at Lake Wright Resort and Convention Center, and started at Q-Master Billiards in Norfolk.
Mackey said that with more space, the tournament could:
Increase the number of tables it uses from nine (seven for playing and two for practice) to 16 (12 for playing and four for practice). That in turn would allow the field to grow from 88 to 128 players. ``The players wanted in,'' he said.
Increase its seating capacity. He said the tournament needs room for at least 1,500 spectators. It currently has seating for 700 to 800.
Have room for trade shows, which he said ``are now an important part of our tournament.'' He pointed to the new Seagate Convention Center in Toledo, Ohio, where the tour will be stopping Oct. 5-9. ``We'll have 100,000 square feet of space there,'' Mackey said. ``We'll have 16 tables for the players.''
Don Goldberg, director of economic development in Chesapeake, said, ``We want to keep both the men's and women's U.S. opens in Chesapeake. We have discussed some type of new center or expanding it where it is now located.''
Barry Behrman, owner of Q-Master, founded the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship and has been the local promoter since. He wants the tournament to remain here.
``I have been approached about moving the tournament,'' he said. ``But this is my home, and my business and interests are here. I think the only thing that is needed to continue the tournament in Chesapeake is a commitment from the city to show a convention center is in future plans.''
The current Open, which runs through Sunday, is offering a $73,200 purse with a record top prize of $20,000.
The players pay $400 to compete, which accounts for about half the prize fund.
``Brunswick Billiards, Q-Master and several co-sponsors have added about $38,000 to the prizes,'' Behrman said.
He said it also costs about $50,000 to produce the ESPN telecast of the semifinals and finals, which will be tape-delayed and shown by the cable network on three programs in December. The city of Chesapeake has contributed $20,000 toward the TV expenses.
The final match will air at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 26, Behrman said. by CNB