2010 US Open 9 Ball Championship - An Open Letter from Barry Behrman
- Thread starter the77club
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Wanna post a link or something?
Good for Barry, I say...
I think that this is an acknowledgment of the criticisms leveled by the players' association recently announced by Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, and Stevie Moore. It's Barry's pledge to do better from now on in paying the players promptly. Also, it addresses what appears to be some measure of backlash among certain of the women professionals regarding Barry's decision to make the US Open truly "open" in terms of gender. (This is the first year that women are eligible to participate.)
As Barry freely acknowledges, he has made some mistakes. On the whole, though, you would be hard pressed to find a promoter who has worked more diligently, done more for the game, or showed greater respect to pool's legendary players than Barry has for the past 25 years.
It is good to hear him express some positive thoughts with respect to attracting new sponsors and increasing the US Open purse in the next year or two. And even to hear that he is able once again to promote a second event each year.
Barry is a guy that lives and breathes pool. His love for the game shines through in everything that he does. Best wishes to him to achieve everything he aspires to in this letter.
I think that this is an acknowledgment of the criticisms leveled by the players' association recently announced by Johnny Archer, Rodney Morris, and Stevie Moore. It's Barry's pledge to do better from now on in paying the players promptly. Also, it addresses what appears to be some measure of backlash among certain of the women professionals regarding Barry's decision to make the US Open truly "open" in terms of gender. (This is the first year that women are eligible to participate.)
As Barry freely acknowledges, he has made some mistakes. On the whole, though, you would be hard pressed to find a promoter who has worked more diligently, done more for the game, or showed greater respect to pool's legendary players than Barry has for the past 25 years.
It is good to hear him express some positive thoughts with respect to attracting new sponsors and increasing the US Open purse in the next year or two. And even to hear that he is able once again to promote a second event each year.
Barry is a guy that lives and breathes pool. His love for the game shines through in everything that he does. Best wishes to him to achieve everything he aspires to in this letter.
I liked what Barry had to say about the purses, bringing back the 9-ball Masters, and having more sponsors this year. I didn't like what Kelly Fisher is doing at all. Like Barry said "she's entitled to her opinion" and I hope it's just hers and a few more on the WPBA that feel that way. I would like to hear what other WPBA Players have to say on the subject...but I'm sure we won't hear a thing. Women playing in the US Open could be good for US pool. If just one of them cashes high or if a few top men get beat by them it will be good to promote the sport for a bigger fan base. I imagine the WPBA or what's left of it is split on playing in the US Open too. I would love to see the Seminole Tribe of Florida start a women's pro tour. JMO. Johnnyt
I'm all for giving Barry the benefit of the doubt. For 35 years this man has promoted the most prestigious tournament on earth( and on most occasions without a glich). I hold him in the highest respect for admitting to any and all wrong doings, and I wish him the best. A lesser man would simply give up after all the criticisim he has received. I also feel for the players not getting paid in a timely fashion (I wouldn't like it either if I were in their shoes), but I stress again Barry has been a true asset to the sport and I am in hopes that others can be at least optimistic about his future events.
Where would we be in this country without the U.S. Open? How about NOWHERE! For several years it has been just about our lone major tournament, along with the big shindig in Derby City. Thanks to the Seminole Tribe we now have one other major tournament with substantial prize money.
I see it as a great opportunity for the top women players to prove their mettle. If anything a great player like Kelly Fisher should be thankful for the opportunity to show the world she can play with anyone. I bet you won't hear Jasmin complaining. She's a pool player!
It's true that Barry has sometimes had to pay off the top one or two finishers in installments, but they always got paid and much quicker than IPT Truedough money. One thing for sure, Barry has never lost his love for the game and his passion for producing the U.S. Open. I love it when he calls me and we talk about what he can do to make the event better. That shows me how much he still cares after all these years.
I see it as a great opportunity for the top women players to prove their mettle. If anything a great player like Kelly Fisher should be thankful for the opportunity to show the world she can play with anyone. I bet you won't hear Jasmin complaining. She's a pool player!
It's true that Barry has sometimes had to pay off the top one or two finishers in installments, but they always got paid and much quicker than IPT Truedough money. One thing for sure, Barry has never lost his love for the game and his passion for producing the U.S. Open. I love it when he calls me and we talk about what he can do to make the event better. That shows me how much he still cares after all these years.
I feel the US Open is singular in its Worldwide prestige. DCC may be tougher to win...and potentially pay more, but as a title, I feel Barry's US Open gives it at least the 8. Maybe the crackles too.
One thing I love about the U.S. Open at Chesapeake Beach, Virginia, is hanging outside between matches at the conference center. This is where players and fans get a chance to chat and get to know each other. :smile:
One never knows who or what will take place, whether it's a barkfest between Liljon and Billiy Incardona for action at Q-Master, Efren playing chess or Filipino cards with any and all takers, Alex providing a little comic relief, or Earl expressing his pool strategies for an upcoming match, It's just plain fun. :grin-square:
I have said it before and I'll say it again. Virginia is one of the most friendliest States of the Union, and if you ever experience the comaraderie at the U.S. Open, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. :smile:
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Barry is no angel and he has definitely had his problems, both personal and professional, but I dare anyone to name a person who has more passion for pool and works harder at promoting a major pool tournament.
As for Kelly Fisher's remarks, I think she is way off base. Many people, including myself, have been urging Barry for years to include women in the Open. He is finally giving fans what they want. Will it help fill the field? Definitely yes! However, it will also give the women a chance to show how well they play. What will it do for the WPBA Tour if a woman wins the U.S. Open? I'd be willing to bet they wouldn't have any more sponsor problems. I see this as a great opportunity for the WPBA and they should take advantage of it.
As for Kelly Fisher's remarks, I think she is way off base. Many people, including myself, have been urging Barry for years to include women in the Open. He is finally giving fans what they want. Will it help fill the field? Definitely yes! However, it will also give the women a chance to show how well they play. What will it do for the WPBA Tour if a woman wins the U.S. Open? I'd be willing to bet they wouldn't have any more sponsor problems. I see this as a great opportunity for the WPBA and they should take advantage of it.
I am very pleased to be going to my first US Open [spectator, not player]. After 10 attempts at getting vip seats using 3 different browsers and 2 operating systems, I finally achieved success!
I do hope there aren't going to be bagpipes at the finals, however. That was LOUD on the stream the other year, I can't imagine how loud that was in person!
I do hope there aren't going to be bagpipes at the finals, however. That was LOUD on the stream the other year, I can't imagine how loud that was in person!
Steve, you'll have a blast. Usually, I have no trouble finding a good seat for the TV table. The VIP seats are nice, but there's also some good ones that aren't VIP. Actually, there's not a bad seat in the house, really.
The VIP seats might get you a little face time on TV, but personally, I never liked that for myself. I like sitting in the shadows, as long as I can get a good view of my horse in the race. The TV camera got my mug one time but never again. I know *where* to sit to avoid that now. :grin-square:
Also, wait until Sunday to buy your T-shirts, if you decide to get some. He cuts the price. You might not get the color you want, but may get a good bargain. I bought a dozen one year on Sunday to bring back home to my friends. Of course, this was after I had already about five or six. I'm like a real tourist at the Open. I can tell you that the medium sizes won't sell as quickly as the double and triple X's.
You will like Q-Master's pool room to sweat the action, and there will be action. Getting there may pose problems. I've been there numerous times and still get lost each and every time. It's about a 10-minute drive from the conference center where the tournament is at.
I'm pretty sure you know "Baby Huey" from our neck of the woods. A few years ago, he decided to compete in the Open. Huey definitely loves to play pool, no question, but his first draw was Niels Feijen. His score against Niels was zip.
Bring a camera with you. There's lots of cool photo ops. :wink:
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The really good seats were already taken so I got a couple behind the camera Thanks for the pointers. I will have my new iPhone with me and it's got a good camera built in. Yes, I remember Huey. We used to play quite a bit at Orange Ball. Now those days are gone.... :frown:
Thanks for the pointers. I will have my new iPhone with me and it's got a good camera built in. Yes, I remember Huey. We used to play quite a bit at Orange Ball. Now those days are gone.... :frown:Steve, you'll have a blast. Usually, I have no trouble finding a good seat for the TV table. The VIP seats are nice, but there's also some good ones that aren't VIP. Actually, there's not a bad seat in the house, really.
The VIP seats might get you a little face time on TV, but personally, I never liked that for myself. I like sitting in the shadows, as long as I can get a good view of my horse in the race. The TV camera got my mug one time but never again. I know *where* to sit to avoid that now. :grin-square:
Also, wait until Sunday to buy your T-shirts, if you decide to get some. He cuts the price. You might not get the color you want, but may get a good bargain. I bought a dozen one year on Sunday to bring back him to my friends. I can tell you that the medium sizes won't sell as quickly as the double and triple X's.
You will like Q-Master's pool room to sweat the action, and there will be action. Getting there may pose problems. I've been there numerous times and still get lost each and every time. It's about a 10-minute drive from the conference center where the tournament is at.
I'm pretty sure you know "Baby Huey" from our neck of the woods. A few years ago, he decided to compete in the Open. Huey definitely loves to play pool, on question, but his first draw was Niels Feijen. His score against Niels was zip.
Bring a camera with you. There's lots of cool photo ops. :wink:
The really good seats were already taken so I got a couple behind the camera
Here's a cute shot of Niels. He was gracious enough to let me snap his photo between rounds. He was getting ready to play on the TV table, right where you'll be sitting. Check out Alex in the background with the yellow scarf on his head. :grin-square:
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The players themselves are very generous with their time. They sign autographs on cue cases, sticks, and don't mind having their pictures taken. Look at Bustie and Alex signing autographs for the fans during their time away from the actual competition.
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Way to go Barry. That's a straight from the heart open letter. :thumbup:
I am, however, left scratching my head regarding Kelly's alleged comments. A door has opened for the women and she's slamming it closed? And wanting other women to boycott?
I have always admired and respected Kelly, so perhaps I'm missing something. I sure hope so. Maybe the context of her statements would change the color of her statements.
I hope this isn't ANOTHER dumbass, shortsighted, knee-jerk case of a player sabotaging an opportunity for many. Say it ain't so Kelly! :angry:
Give 'em hell Barry. Best of luck in this momentous year. Cya and your little ball of yappin fur in the "Peake"! :grin:
I am, however, left scratching my head regarding Kelly's alleged comments. A door has opened for the women and she's slamming it closed? And wanting other women to boycott?
I have always admired and respected Kelly, so perhaps I'm missing something. I sure hope so. Maybe the context of her statements would change the color of her statements. I hope this isn't ANOTHER dumbass, shortsighted, knee-jerk case of a player sabotaging an opportunity for many. Say it ain't so Kelly! :angry:
Give 'em hell Barry. Best of luck in this momentous year. Cya and your little ball of yappin fur in the "Peake"! :grin:
I'm also going to make my first trip to the Open. Looking forward to seeing this great tournament live. I've decided to do my part for the pool players of the world and play in the event
Darryl
I was wondering what happened to your quest. I thought you were going to be blogging about it but the posts just seemed to stop. Good luck!
This statement by Kelly Fisher is hard to believe “the WPBA should boycott the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships as Barry Behrman was using them to ‘fill the field’ and for publicity purposes”. Barry is giving the female pros a chance to play in the greatest 9 ball tournament in US History. The WPBA players should be sending Barry "Thank You" notes showing how much they appreciate him doing this for them since their list of tournaments is getting much smaller instead larger. The US Open will be just fine without Kelly Fisher and if she feels the way she states I hope she stays home.
James