Just three days after player entries opened, the field for the 2020 US Open 9-Ball Championship has already surpassed the halfway mark ahead of the return of the pool major to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Convention Center next April 13-18.
The $375,000 tournament is limited to 256 entrants and already over 115 players have entered already, with 30 places reserved for the ever-growing list of events on the US Open 9-Ball Championship Global Qualifying Series.
Among the early entries is defending champion Joshua Filler and American icons Shane van Boening and Earl Strickland, who share the record for having won five US Open 9-Ball titles. A full list of entrants can be found at: http://www.matchroompool.com/usopen9ball/#players
The first event on the Global Qualifying Series takes place August 25-26 at Sam’s Billiards, Portland, Oregon. Over 30 spots are already reserved for winners of qualifying events, with more set to be confirmed soon.
Emily Frazer, COO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “Eight months until the US Open 9-Ball Championship and we have already secured half the field, a phenomenal record that we fully anticipated to break. These players are smart, and their eagerness will pay off as we all watch this event sell out before the end of 2019.
“There are a lot of names on our list that didn’t participate earlier this year which shows the magnitude of the event globally and that players are keen to not miss out. We are inundated with requests for organisers holding qualifiers and we will have to get to a point where we turn these down. Players will soon be fighting for their US Open spot.
“Seeing this level of demand only sets our sights higher on a 512-player field in the foreseeable future.”
Player entries for the 2020 Open 9-Ball Championship are open now at www.matchroompool.com. Player entry fees remain at $1,000 and former champions receive free entry to the event. After sold-out crowds, record TV ratings and a full field of 256 players for the 2019 US Open 9-Ball Championship, players are encouraged to enter the 2020 Championship early to avoid disappointment.
Prize money payouts will start from 97th place, with players reaching this stage receiving $1,000. Those who successfully progress from the double elimination stage will earn at least $5,000 with quarter-finalists taking home $7,750, semi-finalists earning $15,000 and the runner-up to be paid $30,000.
Spectator tickets for the 2020 US Open 9-Ball Championship will go on sale on Friday, September 13th with full details including pricing to be announced shortly.