The long-awaited opening event of the men's1998 pro pocket billiard season has already provided several interesting twists — most notably the opening-round loss suffered by ESPN Champion's Challenge winner Johnny Archer. The Camel Pro Billiard Series Shooter's 9-Ball Open in Olathe, Kan., opened Thursday with a full 96-player field and a $70,000 prize purse. The event kicks off the eight-tournament, RJ Reynolds-underwritten pro series.

With players chomping at the bit since the final event of ’97, the Olathe event boasts a U.S. Open-quality field. Arhcer, the Professional Billiards Tour's top-ranked player, lost his very first match, 11-5, to grizzled veteran Larry "Ice Man" Hubbart. Defending Camel Pro Billiard Series point's champion Jose Parica joined Archer on the loser's side via a first-round loss to Dennis Hatch, also 11-5.

Billiards Digest will be on hand Saturday and Sunday with up-to-the-minute coverage of the Shooter's 9-Ball Open. Look here for scores, photos and news items as the 1998 men's tournament calendar gets underway!