John Binion

Detroit, MI

League Operator: Tom Jenkins

After placing second in 1997, John Binion came into the 1999 U.S. Amateur Championship with one goal – to rise to the occasion and win the title. He took the most direct route to the Championship Match, blazing through the field with seven consecutive wins, losing a total of just 27 games before the final. He was fresh, experienced, determined and as skilled as anyone in the field. But the sport of pool comes down to rolls and breaks, and Binion came up just one shot short.

"I gave it my best shot, couldn't come any closer than that," he said. "I was a little more offensive-minded this year, and ran into another great player at the end. Sure I'm disappointed, but I really did have a good time."

Spectators who filled the Cue Club had a great time, as Binion's final match performance featured everything a "Rocky" movie could, except for that last knockout punch. Despite never leading and at one point trailing 10-6 in the race-to-11 final, Binion's comeback to the hill proved a testament to persistence and his never-say-die approach.

"I actually thought he had me," said Champion Henry Brodt. "You won't see more heart than you will in John. He moves the cues ball around real well…an excellent all-around player."

"Winning this tournament would be a great accomplishment in my goals for this sport," Binion said. "It would also be a great influence for African Americans who sometimes aren't very involved in the game to come out and play."