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QUARTER CENTURY OF LEGENDS
by Kirstin Pires
In a gathering of billiards greats rivaled perhaps only by the Billiard
Congress of America's annual Hall of Fame induction, the nearly complete
chronology of a quarter-century of US Open Champions greeted a packed arena
of cheering fans last night.
Wearing Masters-like green sportscoats embroidered with their name and the
year (or years) of their championships, the legends were introduced to the
crowd by promoter and emcee extraordinaire, Barry Behrman. "I was almost in
tears as I was introducing them," he would say later. But the players and the
fans alike sported broad grins, and there were handshakes and hugs all around.
First out was Mike Sigel, the winner of the inaugural meet in 1976. Fellow
Hall of Famers Steve Mizerak (who proceeded to 33rd place Friday); the only
back-to-back champion, Nick Varner (still alive but on the one-loss side) and
two-timer Buddy Hall greeted fans. Earl Strickland, who holds a record four
titles (undefeated) joined the group of greats, along with the defending
titleist, Johnny Archer.
Play at the 25th U.S. Open in Chesapeake, Va., continues through Sunday.
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