Hello Players, Fans, and Sponsors,
I have been reading all of the post about women playing in the “Men's” U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships. I have found all of your post to be extremely interesting and I enjoyed reading all of the pros and cons from everyone involved.
I began the U.S. Open in 1976, at that time it was a men's only. However, during the years of 1984-1994, there was a women's division. I consider this year 2010, to be a rebuilding year for the tournament. I truly appreciate all of the men who have participated in the U.S. Open, from day one. I feel as if I owe a great amount of gratitude to all of the players that I have had to extend payouts to during the last few tournaments. As stated before, during this a “rebuilding year”, all players will be paid in cash before leaving town. Therefore, I believe that it would be in the best interest of the tournament to focus solely on the men for this year, being sure to take care of business properly.
Although 2011 is a long ways away, I am already planning and structuring that event and contemplating whether or not women should be allowed to compete for the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships title. I am debating the positives as well as the negatives of this decision and appreciate all of your opinions in this matter. I look forward to seeing many of you at the 35th Annual “Men's” U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships and appreciate all of the support and dedication from each of you.
Barry Behrman
Founder and Promoter
U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships
