Barry Behrman announces US Open changes

To my wonderful U.S. Open Players, the greatest fans on earth, as well as any future U.S. Open players from the U.S.A. and around the globe.

First of all, I would like to wish you all a happy and healthy new year.  I have always been the type of person that shoots for the moon by promoting pool to the best of my ability.  Promoting pool has always been my passion in life and I genuinely love the sport.   I truly believe that pool players deserve the very best and should be compensated just as much, if not more than other athletes, such as bowlers.  Many professional bowlers are making a great living.  I believe that it is unfortunate that there are very few men and women pool players who are making a decent living by doing what they love, playing pool.

Over the past few years we have lost many great promoters, sponsors, and players who just cannot afford to support pool as they did in the past.   I am writing this letter in order to apologize to several players, 4 to be exact, to whom I still owe money.   It deeply saddens me that I have been unable to compensate them for their participation in the 2009 U.S. Open however, I guarantee that I will pay them, and I will not rest until I do.  While shooting for the moon I managed to shoot myself in the foot.

In 2009, I added $85,000.00 with 216 players, which are fewer players than I had in past years.  I simply cannot afford to shoot as high in future U.S. Opens without filling the field and having more sponsors.  After careful consideration, I believe that I must change the format of the 2010 U.S. Open prize fund by making the entry fee $500.00 per person and I will add $50,000.00 “guaranteed”.  I will also pay the W.P.A. sanction fee, continue to pay the past champion entry fees, and every player in cash before they leave town.   There will be no more waiting to be paid.  I will live by the words that I have written today.  Every player will be paid in cash before they leave Chesapeake.  First place will remain the same at $40,000.00 and I will continue to pay down to 96 spots.  I would like to ensure the fans that seat prices will remain the same and go on sale to my loyal V.I.P seat holders before they can be purchased by the general public from April 1- 7, 2010.  So, be sure to get yours!

I will be happy to speak with any potential sponsors.  Please feel free to contact me at anytime at 757-499-8958.  On behalf of myself and my daughter Shannon, we look forward to seeing you October 17-23, 2010.  Our 35th Annual!