1998 US Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Buddy Hall
2	Tang Hoa

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

The 1998 US Open 9-Ball Championship saw Cecil "Buddy" Hall defeat Tang Hoa to win one of pool's most prestigious titles. At 52 years old, Hall brought precision and tactical skill that had defined his success in money matches for over two decades.

Hall's victory at this Matchroom-promoted event reinforced his status as one of pool's greatest players. His nickname, The Rifleman, referred to his exceptional accuracy with the cue. Having turned professional in 1970, Hall brought nearly three decades of experience to the tournament. Hall developed the clock system for cue ball positioning using clock face references, a technique that became influential in modern shot-making approaches.

The championship run was particularly significant given Hall's background. He started his pool career at age 14 in a Metropolis, Illinois soda shop and obtained a false birth certificate from a local judge to gain entry to pool rooms that would not admit minors. Working out of Herbie Lynn's pool room, he quickly dominated local players before traveling to compete against elite talent, building a reputation as one of the most feared competitors in the game.

Tang Hoa's run to the finals presented a formidable challenge, but Hall's experience in high-pressure situations proved decisive. The victory added another significant title to Hall's resume, which would eventually include over 100 tournament wins throughout his career. This US Open triumph came during an era when the tournament was establishing itself as one of nine-ball's premier events, making Hall's championship particularly prestigious.

The 1998 championship highlighted the depth of international talent in professional pool, with Hall representing American excellence against strong global competition. His success in money games translated effectively to tournament play, demonstrating why he remained a top competitor well into his 50s. This US Open victory stands as one of the significant achievements in a career spanning over five decades.

Sources: Buddy Hall – Wikipedia U.S. Open Pool Championship – Wikipedia

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