I’ve not read the US Open thread but I’m sure the play has been covered at length. I will not dwell upon it but to say well done FSR, who memorably grinded his way to his second US Open title. I would rather reflect on the event itself, including the new venue, the new arena, and the experience of being there.
The Embassy Suites Hotel and Frisco, Texas
I loved my hotel room and enjoyed the breakfast buffet each morning. The lunch and dinner options were few in the hotel, but there were numerous good dining establishments nearby, and I availed myself of them and found them to be solid. Once you accept dealing with the 100-degree heat every day, Frisco is a nice place. I would definitely go back.
The Arena
The US Open arena was in the convention center adjoining the hotel. The vendor area was large and impressive, so anyone looking for pool related merchandise was sitting pretty.
I loved the way the tournament room was set up for the first four days. Four groups of six tables surrounded a large TV table that featured raised stadium seating and a lot of the best matchups. The event was well attended and getting a seat wasn’t always so easy, but if you stayed on your toes and watched the live scoring app for table assignments, you could usually find something at your table of interest. One more round of play than usual occurred on day four, so just eight remained entering day five.
Day five had two quarterfinals in each of the first two sessions, one in the main arena and one on an outer table. There wasn’t really a way to watch all the matches, but the TV table matches were superb, with FSR topping Filler double hill and Capito topping Gorst in a close one. The semis were played in two separate sessions, and by end of day, just FSR and Capito remained.
Day 6 brought one of the best final matches imaginable, as FSR and Capito put on a great show that reached double hill. I know Kaci and Gorst went double hill just a couple of years ago at the WPC final, but this match was of a higher quality and was, quite simply, electrifying. Given the size of the moment, it may well have been the best ever WNT match.
Semifinalist Aleksa Pecelj showed that his excellence in the two recent Arizona events was no fluke, and it would now be hard to fathom his omission from Team Europe at the Mosconi in November.
After his great win, FSR has two US Open 9ball titles and a World 9ball Championship and is on a trajectory that might well land him in the BCA Hall of Fame one day.
The Juniors
Matchroom continues to have junior events in conjunction with their major championships and I love it. Although Pat Fleming often did this at the International Open, few American event producers have done this in the past, so I’m grateful to Matchroom. The junior final between Austin Axe and Gavin Matthews was contested on the TV table and it was a dandy, with Axe eking out a double hill win.
Referees
I feel the referees were consistently outstanding for the entire week, with area referees for the first four days, and referees dedicated to a single table on day five and day six. Bravo!
Socially
Caught up with many fans, pro players, Matchroom personnel, and tournament personnel but didn’t have too much time with any of them. Did catch a breakfast with Billiards Digest editor in chief Mike Panozzo one morning. I had lots of quality time with close friends Mike M and Kristine J, too, and thanks to each for the good times and good company. Chatted with Molina Mike numerous times and enjoyed hanging out with him during some of the matches. Had a nice chat with Mike Sigel and Kevin Trudeau one evening, which was an unexpected surprise and pleasure. Good friends Mike T and his lovely wife Susie took me out to dinner one evening and we had a blast. Most nights, there were gatherings at the bar, and I was often asked and encouraged by players and friends to drop by, but I chose not to do so. To sum, the US Open was a bit light for me when considered socially.
So How Did Matchroom Do?
I think Matchroom produced a great event. With rarest of exception, the schedule was maintained, the arena was always clean and well-organized, and Matchroom personnel were there to assist players and fans in any way when needed. Emily, as usual, was a most welcoming hostess, and her staff were at the top of their games. In short, all Matchroom staff did superbly in the planning for and administration of this event, and I am thankful to all of them.
Conclusion
To sum, Frisco delivered and so did the US Open 9ball. It was a magnificent week in Texas and anybody who attended will remember it with fondness. Congratulations to everyone that helped make the 2026 US Open 9ball happen.
I sure hope to get to do it again next year.
