AZB: We are on the tournament floor on day 2 of the US Open and we are talking with Barry Behrman. Barry, it's been kind of a crazy day today. What is the feeling like, here in the room?

Barry: It's eerie Mike. Everybody across America is feeling the pain and, of course, we are too. It is tremendous loss for this country. Two years ago, we faded the hurricane and got through that. It is very unfortunate what happened, of course. Tonight, we will have a moment of silence for the victims and families. We will do this every night just before the national anthem. We are feeling the pain for so many americans and it is such a tragedy what happened.

People are calling to see what is happening with the tournament and the loyal fans are here and more are coming.

AZB: We are in to day two of the tournament. How is the turn out so far, crowd wise?

Barry: Last night was a very nice crowd and we will see what happens tonight. It is almost 7:00 and the matches start shortly. The president is speaking tonight at 9:00, and I think the whole world wants to know what is going on and I don't blame the fans at all for staying glued to the tube tonight. We need to know what is going on the in the world. Pool is not the top priority as far as what is going on in the world right now. We are going to continue with the tournament , and take our best shot.

AZB: We have all week and the matches are just getting better as we go along.

Barry: Yeah. You're right. Today is tuesday and we have all week. The tournament is over sunday night and hopefully, people will be able to travel. If not tomorrow, the next day. The fans that have called are concerned about whether we have cancelled and most of them have said they are still coming.

AZB: Lets talk a little about the tournament. You are using the Sardo Rack this time and the players are breaking from the box with the 9 on the spot. How is that affecting players?

Barry: First of all, you can't get any tighter than the Sardo Rack. The reason we are racking the 9-ball on the spot is that it keeps the corner ball from going. With the 1-ball on the spot, one of the corner balls goes almost every time, so we have to avoid that. We are able to rack them pretty quick but the games are taking longer because there are not many balls being made on the break.

Of course, the Diamond tables are fantastic and they are playing tough too. It makes for interesting matches. We have had a lot of wire matches already. Johnny Archer's first two matches were wire matches. They went hill-hill and he happened to win. Earl Strickland's first match was a wire game that he happened to win. Francisco Bustamante just lost his first match. It makes it very interesting and we will see what happens at the end.

AZB: So, you had the Masters earlier this year and I understand the dates are already set for next year?

Barry: Yeah, I am going to shorten the Masters from seven days to five. Which should attract more fans that can get away for the shorter period of time. The field will be limited to 128 of the worlds best players. The Open is open, but the Masters is not going to be an open event. It is going to be the first 128 ranked players who will have the first opportunity to get in. They will have to pay their entry fee by a certain time. After that date, other players will be able to get in. We are going to limit it to 128 players. I expect it will be a 'masterful' event. We are going to move it across the street to the Holiday Inn and play in that intimate 7,000 square foot ballroom where I held the US Open from 1991 to 1995. I think that is going to be a great setting. You don't need a 20,000 square foot ballroom for an event that is going to use 8 tables or so. It will be great to have the Open here at this wonderful facility and have the Masters across the street. The Holiday Inn is elated and the Conference Center is happy that they only have to put up with me once a year. I know I have changed my mind on things before but I am definitely going to limit the Masters to 128 players. The US Open will be open to 300 players but you are going to have to be a ranked player to get into the Masters.

AZB: Barry, I know how busy you have been so far and you probably havn't had a chance to watch many matches but who do you think looks good so far?

Barry: Well, this is only the second day and I have been very concerned with what is going on in NY. There have been a lot of tough matches and close matches but usually the cream rises to the top. There are probably 30 players that can win this tournament right now. Who is playing the best right now is still up in the air.