We received the following email message this week from Mika Immonen...
To Whom It May Concern,
As the current reigning 2008 US Open Champion, it is with great honor and a sense of duty that I write this letter to encourage the fans, players, and the billiards industry to continue to support this most prestigious and historic event.
Barry Berhman and the US Open represent the most elite pocket billiards event in the United States and perhaps the world. With an amazing 33(!) year history and a pedigree full of World Champions and Hall of Famers, this tournament represents the most coveted title any American or international professional player can dream to achieve.
The US Open is a legacy that we must all support for our sport to survive in these unprecedented economic times. I was 2 years old when this event started. So, this tournament represents more than just a bridge between the current professionals and the past legends of history. The US Open also represents the hopes and continuation of the dreams of fans and aspiring players alike for the future. Without a US Open, what other pocket billiards tournaments will be around for the next generation of players to dream of winning? Let's not let this tournament fade into history like so many great poolrooms of the past have already.
Entries for this year's event will be accepted starting April 1st. More potential sponsors are still necessary to ensure that the US Open continues to improve and grow. Just a few years ago, it would have seemed unlikely that Barry and I would support each other. It now seems more unlikely that there are not more individuals and/or organizations who love this sport as much as Barry and myself to invest the valuable time, energies, collaboration and finances necessary to ensure the successful continuation of this event and our industry.
On behalf of myself and hopefully other future US Open Champions, I want to thank all the fans and supporters for their time and attention to this most important matter.
Best of Rolls,
Mika Immonen
2008 US Open Champion
