Sites to check out:

Official U.S. Open Site
BilliardClub.net (live feed)
AZ Billiards (News)
Inside Pool (News)
Photo Gallery

For all of you that have not been keeping an eye on the news from the U.S. Open here is a rundown of what's happened so far. Most players will be moving into their 3rd match today and we've already had a couple of our Canadian representatives have their tournament end quicker than expected, but after all it is the U.S. Open!!

Erik Hjorleifson and Luc Salvas have been eliminated from the event left watching their fellow countrymen from the stands. Erik had two tough opponents and was eliminated by top European player Fabio Patroni 11-8 a match that could have easily went the other way. On a more positive note here is a rundown of those still making their way through the brackets.

Alex Pagulayan
Two years ago Alex won this event and listening to him talk and watching him play before he left on Friday he could do it again. He seems hungrier than even the year he won it and will be a true force to try to beat this year. Alex is off to a great start with and 11-3 victory in the first round followed by an 11-0 over Frankie Alvarez. He is ready to face Louis Ulrich to get one step closer to the title.

Brady Gollan
Brady is a former Canadian champion, he missed his first match here due to some confusion about the scheduled time and was sent to the B side getting a bye and will play his second match today.

Tyler Edey
Playing strong and fresh off his second place finish at the First Canadian 9-Ball Tour event of season 3 Tyler is off to a great start winning his first two matches. His first match must have been a great one to see with Tyler squeeking out an 11-10 victory. He will now face Rob Saez

Edwin Montal
Well it would be tough to argue that Edwin isn't the best player currently residing in Canada and he's proved his reputation so far this week. Though Edwin had a bye in the first round he came out strong putting on a clinic against a great player in Charlie Williams, he now moves one step forward and will face Marcus Chamat in the next round.

Jason Klatt
One of my favourite players to watch and bet my money on is Jason, runner up this year in the Canadian 9-Ball Championship is quite the intimidating player these days. Jason kicked off his tournament with an 11-1 victory but ran into one of the top players from the Phillipines Lee Van Corteza. Klatt was able to get 8 games before Corteza closed the door on his A side run. With 1 loss behind him Jason will have to complete his run through the B side.

John Morra
Well if your familiar with this kids Mother, Father and late Step Father you know this kid has been surrounded by great pool his whole life and it shows. With so many great finishes in tournaments in and outside of Canada this is the guy that is most capable of beating champions. He has not lost yet and watch for him to be there at the end. Johns first two matches he has won by a combined score of 22-5 and will next face Tomoo Takano.

Mario Morra
Father of John and a seasoned veteran who has been at the top of his game lately scored a bye the first round then defeated fellow Canadian Harvey Shognosh. He will face Naoyuki Oi next who upset Finland’s Mika Immonen in the first round.

Ronnie Wiseman
Undefeated thorough the first two rounds Ronnie will face off against Chi Wai Au, who's fresh off two convincing victories.

Alex Radomski
Here is a player that loves the game, Alex has been competing at a higher level lately and making his way to tough tournaments all over. This event is sure to be great experience for him and though he lost his first match he is still alive on the B side and will face Ed Baker.

Mike Fischer
When I saw this player in the draw I was excited, this is the kind of events this young man belongs in. A fast and exciting player from the Waterloo area in Ontario Mike won his first match 11-10 but was defeated in the second round by the great Alen Hopkins. He is now waiting to play on the B side.

DJ McGinley
From Brantford, Ontario DJ is no stranger to pro level competition. He was able to be on the winning half of a close match in the first round but was on the other half of a close second round match. DJ is currently waiting to play on the B side.

David Tommason
I don't know much about this player but it said on the players list he was Canadian, maybe someone could send me a little info if they know more? David lost his second match and is still going on the B side.

Ed Baker
Another player I don't have any background on, maybe someone can help me out. Mike lost his first match and as mentioned above will face fellow Canadian Alex Rodomski

Paul Potier
One of the great veterans from the West Paul has been sent to the B side early courtesy of Chris Bartrum a U.S. Player that is no stranger to action and a good friend of our own Jason Klatt (imagine that?). Paul will play his first B side match sometime today.

On a side note Rachel Abbink has been doing great down there interviewing for Inside Pool, you can see them online at, www.InsidePoolMag.com

So let's keep all our players in mind as they try to capture the U.S. Open title and bring it home to Canada!!!

Pictures are courtesy of www.insidepoolmag.com get your subscription today!!