1997 US Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Earl Strickland
2	Efren Reyes

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

The 1997 US Open 9-Ball Championship featured Earl "The Pearl" Strickland defeating Efren "The Magician" Reyes at the Chesapeake Conference Center in Virginia. The victory gave Strickland his fourth US Open title during the 1990s.

Strickland had previously won US Open titles in 1984, 1987, and 1993, making him one of the tournament's most successful players. The 1997 win contributed to his total of five US Open championships. The year before, Strickland had earned $1 million for running 10 consecutive racks in the PCA Challenge.

The final matched two players with contrasting approaches. Strickland emphasized focus and technical precision, while Reyes was known for creative shot-making and a composed playing style. Reyes, from the Philippines, had developed a reputation as a highly skilled player.

The US Open was one of pool's most prestigious titles during this period. Winners received a green blazer and lifetime entry into future tournaments. The tournament was open to anyone willing to pay the entry fee, allowing both established champions and newcomers to compete.

Strickland and Reyes faced each other multiple times throughout the 1990s during an era when American pool was gaining popularity and becoming increasingly professional. Strickland was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006, while Reyes won numerous world titles during his career.

Sources: U.S. Open Pool Championship – Wikipedia Earl Strickland – Wikipedia

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