Player Profiles and Interviews
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Chicago-Area Brothers Hope To Meet in the Finals
It's not uncommon in the sports world for siblings to face one another in competition. In women's tennis, it's the Williams sisters' (Serena and Venus) on the court. In baseball this past summer, it was the Benes brothers' (Andy and Alan) facing-off in a pitching match-up at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. If Marvin and Jeffrey Guss have anything to say about it, this year's U.S. Amateur Championship will once again pit siblings against each other.
The brothers are competitors in this year's event. Both are longtime APA members from Chicago and each said competing in an event with one another only adds to the excitement of the tournament for them.
"It's always such an awesome event, but having Jeff here is even better," said Marvin.
Marvin has competed in the last six U.S. Amateur Championship, not including this year. Jeff, who has also previously competed in the event, has come up just short over the past three years and has been unable to make it back - until this year that is.
"It's very special to compete in this event with my brother, especially coming from the Chicago area where we have so many great players," said Jeffrey.
The pair, who were both undefeated after their first two matches, know that although it's nice to have a family member in the tournament, that ultimately only one can win-it-all.
"If we do end up going head-to-head we'll just fight it out, and the best player will win - probably 7-6," said Marvin.
Jeffrey said he was pretty confident should he match up with Marvin in 8-Ball, but sure how he would fair in the 9-Ball set.
"I'll probably beat my brother in 8-Ball,
then he'll probably come back and take me 7-0 in 9-Ball," Jeffrey
said jokingly.
 Home City: Raymond, MS APA Member: Yes How long: 14 years Type of cue: Scruggs Shoot: Right-handed Cue Weight: 19 oz Ever competed in the USAM? No, this is the first time |
Intimidation Not a Factor for Lone Female Competitor in U.S. Amateur Championship
Leigh Bacon of Raymond, Miss., said she was a little surprised to learn in the player's meeting Friday evening that she was the only female competitor in this year's tournament.
"It felt a little strange. I was expecting at least three or four other ladies in the event," said Bacon.
Although she was the only lady in this year's competition, Bacon said intimidation was not much of a factor.
"I wasn't intimidated at all. I came here expecting very good players, and everyone here is very good," said Bacon.
Although this was Bacon's first U.S. Amateur Championship,
she's no stranger to higher-level APA tournament action. In 1996, her
ladies 8-Ball team won the Ladies Division of the APA National Team Championships
in Las Vegas.
Hall Looks To Repeat As U.S. Amateur Champion
 Home City: Meridianville, AL APA Member: Yes How long: 8 years Type of cue: Joss Shoot: Left-handed Cue Weight: 19.5 oz Nickname: Rob Ever competed in the USAM? Yes How many years: 7 Top finish: 1st Place 2001 |
On the opening day of the U.S. Amateur Championship, we sat down with defending U.S. Amateur Champion Robert Hall of Meridianville, Ala., to get his thoughts coming into the tournament.
APA: This is your seventh U.S. Amateur Championship, how does it feel to come in as the defending champ?
Hall: "It feels great. I've got more confidence now than ever before."
APA: Do you feel like there's any extra pressure coming in as the man-to-beat?
Hall: "Absolutely. There's been a lot of pressure every time I've played since I won the tournament last year."
APA: Did you prepare any differently this year than in past years? Different strategy?
Hall: "Not really, just coming in with confidence. I figure if I could win it last year, I can win it again this year."
APA: Are we going to see you on Sunday again this year?
Hall: "Absolutely."