The SVB Junior Open is set to return to the World Nineball Tour, bringing young talent to the prestigious US Open Pool Championship in Atlantic City, USA, on August 22-23. This year, the event promises a thrilling competition with a substantial prize fund of $10,000, open to all juniors aged 17 and under.
Matchroom, the event organizer, has shown unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of pool players. Since its inception in 2022, the SVB Junior Open has become a cornerstone of Matchroom’s efforts to nurture young talent, marking its place as the fourth junior tournament on the 2024 World Nineball Tour. Named after five-time US Open Champion Shane Van Boening, this tournament is designed to give young players a chance to shine.
The competition will feature a 32-player double elimination format, similar to the JS Junior Open and the Fillers Junior Open. Entry costs $100, which will be refunded after the event, provided participants complete their matches. This ensures that every participant gets the opportunity to compete in a professional setting without a financial burden.
Shane Van Boening, the tournament’s namesake, expressed his excitement about the event’s growth. “I am excited to see the SVB Junior Open continue to grow and provide a platform for young players to showcase their talents,” said Van Boening. “It’s important to support the next generation of players and give them opportunities to compete and learn in a professional environment.”
Adding to the event’s prestige, Onboard Sportswear will provide a custom SVB Junior Open jersey to all participants, ensuring they look and feel like pros as they compete in the same arena as the US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort Casino.
Last year’s event was a spectacular display of young talent, with Lazaro Martinez emerging victorious over Estonian prodigy Karl Gnadeberg in a nail-biting 9-7 final. This year, young cueists can expect a similarly exhilarating competition, with the final set to be live-streamed on Matchroom Pool’s social media pages and broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, DAZN in the USA and Brazil, and various networks worldwide.
While juniors competing in the SVB Junior Open will not be eligible for the main US Open Pool Championship due to scheduling conflicts, they will receive a guest pass and three additional tickets for the days they compete. This allows them to witness the world’s best players in action, providing a unique learning experience.
The SVB Junior Open is more than just a tournament; it’s an opportunity for young players to grow, learn, and be inspired by the sport’s finest. As the event approaches, excitement builds for another unforgettable showcase of rising stars in the world of pool.