1991 US Open 9-Ball Championship
Part of the US Open 9-Ball Championship archive
US Open 9-Ball Championship
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
The 1991 US Open 9-Ball Championship at the Holiday Inn in Virginia featured Buddy Hall, known as The Rifleman, defeating Dennis Hatch in the championship match. Hall won the tournament through consistent play and precise shooting across multiple rounds.
Hall turned professional in 1970 and by 1991 had established himself as a dominant force in professional pool. The Illinois native began playing competitively at age 14 in his hometown soda shop and spent over two decades developing his skills before this championship. The 1991 victory represented a significant achievement in Hall's career during an era when the US Open was becoming one of pool's most prestigious titles.
Dennis Hatch proved to be a tough competitor in the final. The match included several notable moments, with technical discussions about object ball fouls and commentary from Mike Sigel during the broadcast. The coverage highlighted the tactical complexity and rule intricacies that distinguish top-level professional play.
Hall developed the clock system, a technique for determining cue ball contact points by using clock positions as an aiming reference. This systematic approach to position play was evident throughout his tournament performance, as Hall employed calculated shot selection and strategic positioning to advance through the bracket.
The 1991 championship represented a major accomplishment for Hall, solidifying his standing among elite pool players. As the US Open champion, Hall earned the traditional green blazer and received free entry to all future tournaments. Hatch's runner-up finish marked a notable achievement in his career, while Hall's name was recorded in the championship record books as the 1991 winner.
Sources: Buddy Hall – Wikipedia U.S. Open Pool Championship – Wikipedia
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