MANILA, Philippines – Several Filipino cue masters led by billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes joined other members of the Association of Billiard Professionals (ABP) in a boycott of the annual US Open 9-Ball Championship.
According to the ABP, Reyes and fellow Filipino billiards champions Francisco Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo and Alex Pagulayan will not be participating in the 2011 edition of the US Open 9-Ball Championship due to lack of secure prize money.
“It is with regret that the general professional body of the Association of Billiard Professionals will not be attending the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Championship promoted by Mr. Barry Behrman,” announced ABP General Attorney Dennis Walsh.
Walsh said Behrman still owes prize money to some of the ABP players who have participated in his events.
“Notwithstanding the Association’s deep respect for Barry Behrman for his contribution to pool these many years, the players simply cannot commit their time and their expenses for an uncertain payday,” said Walsh.
Other Filipino players who joined the boycott are Lee Van Corteza, Roberto Gomez, Carlo Biado, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Lining and Jundel Mazon.
Even England’s Darren Appleton, the 2010 US Open 9-Ball champ, decided to abstain from defending his title.
The ABP is an international organization of pool players formed to improve the sport of billiards in conjunction with promoters, sponsors and associations.
"As a former US Open 9-Ball champion, it's painful to not be able to attend this year, as it is always great to play in it. However, the ABP and its goals are more important than my personal goals, and we need to start taking the necessary steps to pave the way for the future of the game and its up and coming stars," said forme US Open champion Rodney Morris, who is also a member of the ABP Board.
"It is with sadness that I must withdraw from one of my favorite tournaments ever. In doing so, I hope the sacrifices we are making raises the standard of the elements that our beautiful sport lacks," said Immonen, 2-time US Open 9-Ball champion.
"I am truly sorry we cannot attend this event. But we have an obligation to protect all players now and in the future," said world billiards champion and APB President Archer.
The US Open, which takes place at the Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia, is the longest run 9-Ball event in the world.
Other APB member billiard players who joined the boycott are:
According to the ABP, Reyes and fellow Filipino billiards champions Francisco Bustamante, Dennis Orcollo and Alex Pagulayan will not be participating in the 2011 edition of the US Open 9-Ball Championship due to lack of secure prize money.
“It is with regret that the general professional body of the Association of Billiard Professionals will not be attending the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Championship promoted by Mr. Barry Behrman,” announced ABP General Attorney Dennis Walsh.
Walsh said Behrman still owes prize money to some of the ABP players who have participated in his events.
“Notwithstanding the Association’s deep respect for Barry Behrman for his contribution to pool these many years, the players simply cannot commit their time and their expenses for an uncertain payday,” said Walsh.
Other Filipino players who joined the boycott are Lee Van Corteza, Roberto Gomez, Carlo Biado, Warren Kiamco, Antonio Lining and Jundel Mazon.
Even England’s Darren Appleton, the 2010 US Open 9-Ball champ, decided to abstain from defending his title.
The ABP is an international organization of pool players formed to improve the sport of billiards in conjunction with promoters, sponsors and associations.
"As a former US Open 9-Ball champion, it's painful to not be able to attend this year, as it is always great to play in it. However, the ABP and its goals are more important than my personal goals, and we need to start taking the necessary steps to pave the way for the future of the game and its up and coming stars," said forme US Open champion Rodney Morris, who is also a member of the ABP Board.
"It is with sadness that I must withdraw from one of my favorite tournaments ever. In doing so, I hope the sacrifices we are making raises the standard of the elements that our beautiful sport lacks," said Immonen, 2-time US Open 9-Ball champion.
"I am truly sorry we cannot attend this event. But we have an obligation to protect all players now and in the future," said world billiards champion and APB President Archer.
The US Open, which takes place at the Chesapeake Conference Center, in Chesapeake Virginia, is the longest run 9-Ball event in the world.
Other APB member billiard players who joined the boycott are:
- Shane Van Boening
- Thorsten Hohmann
- John Schmidt
- Corey Deuel
- Huidji See
- Mike Sigel
- Nick Varner
- Buddy Hall
- CJ Wiley
- Tony Drago
- Raj Hundal
- Karl Boyes
- Imran Majid
- Marcus Chamat
- Shawn Putnam
- Mike Davis
- Stevie Moore
- Oscar Dominguez
- Charlie Williams
- Dennis Hatch
- Jeremy Jones
- Allen Hopkins
- Scott Frost
- Ernesto Dominguez
- Kim Davenport
- Rob Saez
- Tony Crosby
- Art Wiggins
- Tommy Najar
