THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 11, 1996 TAG: 9609110641
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 29 lines
The U.S. Open 9-ball Championship begins today at the Pavilion. The tournament, widely regarded as the top 9-ball pocket billiards event in the world, will be held through Sunday.
This year, 100 players will compete for a record $150,000 in prize money, with $30,000 going to the winner.
Last year's champion, Reed Pierce of Brandon, Miss., is back to defend his title. Former world champion Efren Reyes of the Philippines, the '94 champion, aslso returns.
This will be the tournament's first stop in Virginia Beach after five years in Chesapeake. The Pavilion's main arena seats 1,300.
The event also will include an amateur tournament, sponsored by the American Pool Players Association. A field of 1,000 players is expected.
Match times are 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30 for matinee sessions, and 7, 9 and 11 p.m. for evening sessions. Daily seating is $10. V.I.P tickets for the entire event are $120, or $100 for Thursday though Sunday only, and $80 for Friday through Sunday only.
A trick shot exhibition is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m, followed by the tournament semifinals at 3 and the finals at 7.
For ticket information, call 853-8900 24 hours a day, or 499-8900 after 10 a.m. by CNB