1986 US Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	David Howard
2	Allen Hopkins

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

The 1986 US Open 9-Ball Championship saw David Howard win his second US Open title, defeating Allen Hopkins in the final at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach. Howard, nicknamed Squirrel and The Giant Killer, had previously won the US Open in 1982.

Howard advanced through a competitive field that included Nick Varner and Mike Sigel, who finished in third and fourth place respectively. The tournament offered a $7,000 winner’s purse, with Hopkins receiving $3,500 for placing second.

Howard began playing pool in pool rooms during his teenage years and earned the nickname Little David in his youth. By 1986, he had established himself as one of the best nine-ball players in the country.

The championship took place during a strong period for American nine-ball, with elite players like Mike Sigel competing at the highest level. Hopkins, a veteran from Port Republic, New Jersey, finished as runner-up in the final.

This US Open win represented a significant achievement in Howard’s tournament career at a time when the championship was becoming recognized as one of pool’s most prestigious titles. Held at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, the tournament demonstrated Howard’s skill and tactical ability. His second US Open championship placed him among a select group of champions and solidified his status as a top nine-ball player during the 1980s.

Sources: Wikipedia US Open Pool Championship

This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.