1996 US Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Rodney Morris
2	Efren Reyes

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

The 1996 U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship at Virginia Beach Convention Center was won by Rodney Morris, 25 years old, who defeated Efren Reyes in the final. Morris was known by the nickname The Rocket, while Reyes carried the nickname The Magician.

Morris turned professional in 1993, three years before winning the U.S. Open. Reyes was regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time and a nine-ball master. The U.S. Open title marked a significant achievement in Morris's professional career.

The U.S. Open is one of the most prestigious titles in nine-ball, with winners traditionally awarded the green blazer and free entry to all future U.S. Open tournaments. Morris's victory led to a successful career that included multiple major championships and induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2016.

The tournament featured strong competition from mid-1990s professional pool. Morris defeated Reyes in the final. His subsequent titles included the 2003 World Pool League championship, 2008 World Cup of Pool victory alongside Shane Van Boening, and multiple Mosconi Cup appearances where he earned MVP honors in 2004.

Sources: Rodney Morris – Wikipedia, U.S. Open Pool Championship – Wikipedia, Morris Inducted Into BCA Hall of Fame – Matchroom Pool

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