Day One of US Open Brings Out Billiard Stars
US Open 9-Ball Championships / Chesapeake, VA
by Lea Andrews
With day one action nearly complete at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA, most big names are still on the winners’ side, while some have yet to play and a few have found themselves on the wrong side of the bracket early on. Though the field of 216 is still intact, it will be dwindling as play continues October 18-24.
Quick wins came from five-time US Open winner Earl “The Pearl” Strickland, who breezed by Michael Yednak 11-2, and Corey Deuel and Stevie Moore, who had shutout wins over Frank Rolfe and Pat DiBuono, respectively.
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Manalo managed CJ Wiley in the 11pm televised match on day 1 at the 2009 U.S. Open.
Lee Van Corteza posted an 11-6 win over Scooby Felton, while Rafael Martinez won 11-8 over Marc Vidal. After tying up with Omar Santiago at six games apiece, 2007 US Open winner Shane Van Boening took five straight racks for an 11-6 victory. Unlikely faces on the left side of the bracket are Danny Harriman, who drew Charlie Williams and fell 11-9, and John Schmidt, who managed just six games against Robb Saez.
CJ Wiley went west after his pushout left Omar Santiago a table-length one-nine bank carom, which he nailed to take the match 11-4. First round matches continue through Monday afternoon, and yet to play are Tommy Kennedy, who will face Robert Pole, and Daryll Peach, who will meet up with Randy Labonte. 2009 Predator International 10-Ball World Tour champion David Alcaide goes up against Scott Hershman Monday afternoon.