Could this be true? I just received the following release from Dennis Walsh, General Attorney for the ABP (Association of Billiard Professionals):
“Chicago, Illinois- 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. Nor will these ABP pros attend the Masters 10-Ball or any event promoted by Mr.Behrman because of monies owed to players and lack of secure funds of prize money before each of his events.
One of the goals of the Association of Billiards Professionals is to provide a platform where touring professionals can pursue the sport they love as a full time career and achieve reasonable financial success. To that end discussions have been ongoing since last year with representatives of the US Open and representatives of the ABP.
Repeated attempts by the ABP organization to obtain guarantees that the prize money will be in place have been refused and therefore it is with regret that the Association and its members have decided to neither support nor attend the 2011 US Open 9-Ball Championship. 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.
“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.”- Rodney Morris, ABP Board of Directors
“It is with sadness that I must withdraw from one of my favourite tournaments ever. In doing so, I hope the sacrifices we are making raises the standard of the elements that our beautiful sport lacks. The ABP’s goals are to the benefit of the sport and to restore the confidence of cooperation between players, associations and promoters alike. I stand behind this vision fully. ” – Mika Immonen, ABP Board of Directors and Two time US Open 9-Ball Champion.
“The US Open is the greatest and most prestigious event on American soil. I am truly sorry we cannot attend this event. But we have an obligation to protect all players now and in the future. I am hopeful in the future all things will be worked out so all players can participate in all great and safe tournaments.” – Johnny Archer, President of the ABP.
Regardless if this is a BCA or WPA Sanctioned event, the following ABP Professional Players will not attend:
1. Johnny Archer USA
2. Mika Immonen FIN
3. Efren Reyes PHI
4. Francisco Bustamante PHI
5. Darren Appleton ENG
6. Shane Van Boening USA
7. Rodney Morris USA
8. Alex Pagulayan PHI
9. Dennis Orcullo PHI
10. Thorsten Hohmann GER
11. Lee Van Corteza PHI
12. John Schmidt USA
13. Corey Deuel USA
14. Huidji See NED
15. Mike Sigel USA
16. Nick Varner USA
17. Buddy Hall USA
18. CJ Wiley USA
19. Tony Drago MLT
20. Raj Hundal ENG
21. Karl Boyes ENG
22. Imran Majid ENG
23. Marcus Chamat SWE
24. Roberto Gomez PHI
25. Carlo Biado PHI
26. Warren Kiamco PHI
27. Antonio Lining PHI
28. Jundel Mazon PHI
29. Shawn Putnam USA
30. Mike Davis USA
31. Stevie Moore USA
32. Oscar Dominguez USA
33. Charlie Williams USA
34. Dennis Hatch USA
35. Jeremy Jones USA
36. Allen Hopkins USA
37. Scott Frost USA
38. Ernesto Dominguez MEX
39. Kim Davenport USA
40. Rob Saez USA
41. Tony Crosby ENG
42. Art Wiggins USA
43. Tommy Najar USA
This list will be updated as more pro members join and may choose to not participate.
From ABP General Attorney Dennis Walsh”
I will keep you posted on the subject after I do a little more investigating.
