1987 US Open 9-Ball Championship
Part of the US Open 9-Ball Championship archive
US Open 9-Ball Championship
Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Earl Strickland | |
| 2 | Jim Rempe |
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
The 1987 US Open 9-Ball Championship at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach was won by Earl "The Pearl" Strickland, who defeated Jim Rempe in the final. Strickland earned $7,000 for his second US Open title in November.
Strickland advanced through a competitive field that included former US Open champions Mike Sigel and Steve Mizerak. Sigel finished in third place and earned $2,500. Other top finalists included Johnny Archer and Allen Hopkins, both among the tournament's top eight players.
The final matched 26-year-old Strickland against Jim Rempe, a veteran player nearly 14 years his senior. Rempe finished as runner-up and earned $3,500. Strickland won the championship title.
This was Strickland's second US Open title, following his first championship in 1984. Over his career, Strickland won a total of five US Open championships, more than any other player in the tournament's history. He later won world championships in the 1990s and was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2006.
The tournament featured notable nine-ball competitors including Jay Swanson, Jimmy Reid, and Johnny Archer. The 1987 US Open was among the sport's most prestigious tournaments during this era of professional pool.
Sources: Earl Strickland – Wikipedia
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.