1992: Johnny ARCHER vs. Tommy KENNEDY - FINALS of the 17th U.S. OPEN 9-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

[@Ranger4244]

I am fortunate enough to be friends with Tommy and have taken a lesson with him. He is such a genuinely nice person and so much fun to be around. I love watching this video a couple times a year just to watch it unfold again...

[@BakerNo.9]

I played with him a few times in the late nights at Studio Billiards years ago. Tell him hello from a thankful pool player. He doesn’t know me but I certainly know him.

[@raymondlinares8307]

This match is a treasure. Thank you Pat for your lifelong dedication to the history of pool and to the education of fans and players everywhere. Thank you also for sharing TK's GoFundMe in support of one our own great champions.

[@lonniebiz]

Enter the US Open as an unknown; go undefeated against the worlds best players; make light of world's best players saying their games are "coming along". Announce retirement after the victory at age 27. Perform masterful billiard juggling trick twice with zero mistakes. Leverage victory to reach souls. What a dream!

[@alcoholya]

According to a bio I read, he was the only 'unranked' player to win a US Open.. pretty crazy.

[@BakerNo.9]

I met Tommy a few months after this match. He’s a gracious individual and I hope he’s doing well these days.

[@tommygust9844]

I was at a tournament with him yesterday. He's doing great!!!

[@75patience]

This match is amazing every time I watch it!! Kennedy is a class act. Always has been and always will be. Hats off to TK.

[@jesusislord7526]

God bless Tommy and it's a pleasure to see a man of God come out on top. Johnny was very gracious in defeat as well.

[@lighthousesociety.]

Omg the juggling at the end 😭😭😭 this is a TRUE hidden gem

[@fahq2009]

Tommy used to come to my local pool room a few times a year and he is a truly nice guy. Please consider giving to his go fund me to help with his medical situation.

[@maryannbonello-hebert4746]

May I ask what’s wrong and how is he doing? I heard he was in hospital and possible covid19? 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻May God watch over and heal him Amen

[@TheGreatOutdoors]

What a match! What entertainment. What class. Watching the joy in Tommy was an absolute joy!! And great commentary. 👍

[@AccuStats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@DeeMoback]

Hey Pat.....times sure flies ....I first met Tommy when he was 17 at Spatz in Orlando.....just a kid .... I remember when you started the "filming thing" .....lol .... turns out it was a wonderful thing ..... thank you.... I wish Tommy well.... a good guy

[@averageroadie6487]

Thank you for posting this. I was at this match. Now I have to pause it every time they show the crowd and see if I can find myself....

[@michaelmorales7443]

Just met him today in a tournament in winter haven. Such a nice person still a beast. I was inspired to be in the same room with him. He's great embasodor to the game. Hope to bump into him again and learn something. Great win champ. You will forever hold a special place in my heart for been the first champion I ever met. But keep your game tight cause I'm coming for the ring.😂

[@terpet8729]

what a character. i hope he gets well and will be able to play pool again

[@xtbum3339]

Not sure I'd want to be sitting next to my opponent in the finals of one of the biggest tournaments in the world. Wishing Tommy a speedy recovery.

[@kilppa]

Archer really is a trooper and a gentleman.

[@raymondlinares8307]

Tommy is currently undergoing a medical situation and could use the support of the pool community. Please consider pinning the go fund me link to help him cover medical expenses and food for his family during this time. The link is being shared on Facebook pool groups and is here as well. www.gofundme.com/f/tommy-kennedy-needs-urgent-prayers-and-assistance

[@AccuStats]

Thank you for posting and letting us know! We had planned on doing the Archer-Kennedy match without knowing he was in bad shape... We will be promoting his GoFundMe page. Wishing the best for Tommy and his family.

[@alcoholya]

damn, his weight got down to 87 pounds..

[@lonniebiz]

Any updates on Tommy? I'm late to this thread. I sure hope he recovered!

[@fischernilsen6864]

Pat thank you soooooo much for all these hidden old school gems of pool!! I cant tell ya how much a student of all my sporting and endeavors , how much I'm a student of the game.. Chess, pool, Tennis.. all of it.. Must be my history background. And when I came back from walking around my lake tonight and saw this, on your channel- big smile on my face. And I can only presume to surmise that a gentleman like yourself just may have selected this with well wishes for Tommy in mind.. SO AWESOME PAT!! YOU TRULY KNOW HOW TO HONOR THE SPORT AND ITS PARTICIPANTS!! prayers 4 Tommy.. ( he's just soooooo darn likeable..). And I'm sure this is bar none one of his best personal pool memories n performances...

[@farshidrahmani6262]

I do remember this match. Can’t wait to see it again.

[@billenright2788]

Prayin' for TK. One of THE best guys in pool.

[@DeeMoback]

Yup

[@shayne.7770]

How tall is Tommy Kennedy? I'm only 5'7 and hes showing how great us short players are

[@nickp4793]

Were there two versions of this match? I remember I watched it years ago, and the camera was on Kennedy's smile a ton. Now I'm about half way through, and the camera is on Kennedy's back side when he's smiling ear to ear. That was the best part of this match.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

Tommy banking the 6 ball on the third game instead of playing safe showed Johnny and everyone watching that he came to play to win not play to not lose

[@repoman2115]

Why would anyone ever play to loose 😂

[@9Ballr]

Get well soon Tommy!

[@bgjb-r1499]

Thank you for the video. Great memories.

[@AccuStats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobbylight111]

all-time great cinderella run

[@lindastevens3547]

He said a very memorable moment in his pool career, was beating Efren.

[@timatkinson9291]

Great shooting. Johnny was on the ropes virtually the whole match.

[@rogerscottcathey]

David and Goliath.

[@0Caracalla]

Cardona sounded pissed the entire time that Kennedy was winning.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

Outstanding shooting Tommy I remember when he won this the angle of the video makes it look like a ten foot table lol tommy had a great break especially for his size he's the original killer pixie way before Alex came out playing pro

[@shadmonk]

the ending was great

[@_Ramen-Vac_]

great ending, the guy had to tap his shoulder to stop it lol

[@kilppa]

When I hear Johnny Archer, I get ready for some lint picking, but I haven't seen the match yet.

[@robertlee7234]

I love this guy

[@PrinceDepecheMode]

One of the most exciting fun event in 9 ball history !!

[@fernandogutierrez8268]

Please Share J. Archer vs. Rafael Martinez 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@sethfisher100]

Rafael is the greatest when he's in deadstroke!!

[@kilppa]

Pat getting some screen time. My man.

[@billfowler2091]

I'VE KNOWN TK SINCE 1982 WHEN MET HIM IN THE FAIRBANKS INN IN WINTER PARK FL. HE LET ME BEAT HIM IN 8 BALL TO TRY & HUSTLE ME IN 9 BALL. I TOLD HIM I GREW UP IN BALTIMORE & KNEW A HUSTLER WHEN I SAW ONE. I SAW HIM RUN 11 RACKS IN A ROW AT SPATZ BILLIARDS ONCE. NOT ONLY IS HE A GREAT POOL PLAYER, BUT HE'S EVEN A BETTER PERSON. BILL FOWLER

[@fernandogutierrez8268]

Johny archer vs. Rafael Martinez Share Please.!!!! Was a great match

[@sodi4069]

15:13 Powerful Shot 22:33 Looks Amazing but Fortunate

[@apexspr10]

When the camera moves over the guy in blue at 22:33 it gives him a fuhrer makeover

[@theabhorrentchef7226]

😂😂😂😂😭😭😭

[@billysikes1374]

We miss ya Beenie Weenie, Incardona had to have Archer -2 games lol

[@southsidejonny9997]

Great streak Tom K, loved your strategy and execution.

[@AccuStats]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jordanbangert8404]

Cardona had money on Archer clearly haha

[@billysikes1374]

Yup, nobody gave TK a chance to win, TK destroyed him TWICE that week

[@martinsawicki2716]

Those pockets tho. These days they would miss 5 out of 10 shots

[@shortydancer]

45:18 that guy with his hands together right behind Kennedy bet the farm on Johnny lol. Edit: you see him better at 45:24. Commentator says his name is Ralph Harelson.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

Did Tommy ever live in Colorado he looks like a guy I played once when I was stationed there dude was a awesome human being

[@rogerscottcathey]

Sounds like it.

[@co7366]

Tommy's stroke is ugly but that short stroke is very effective especially for amateurs looking to improve on bar tables.

[@shayne.7770]

It's odd that's for sure. But clearly it works for him. Many other players have ugly strokes but make it in. Luc salvas for example has a very sloppy position play but has won many matches and can work with what works for him. Its bizarre how pool is so dynamic

[@jgallagher1359]

It's not ugly. It's just a different way of playing. Tight and effecient stroke. Powerful.

[@justinbryson5548]

What is up with that guy at the very end, seemingly giving Tommy the super serious evil eye, with a super serious look on his face? I did not understand what his deal was. The commentator referred to him, and said his name, but I can't remember what he said the guys name was. The guy just looked way too serious.

[@johncortez1599]

He said his name is Ralph Harrelson. I also want to know what pissed him off, he prob bet a ton on Archer. Lol

[@lonniebiz]

I noticed that too. I was thinking that maybe he lost a lot of money betting on the match.

[@HoosierRooster]

Cardone is brutal...

[@AccuStats]

Yes, brutally good. Best ever!

[@arungcahyoramadhan1755]

First time watching Tommy Kennedy and my first thought is that he has a really ugly stroke and technique but he can win such a major event wow. Beside that, i like his style of play, agrresive play (just make the ball and accept the position style). But still, his techniques sucks.

[@jgallagher1359]

You do not understand technique.

[@justinbryson]

I was thinking the same thing. His form, and stroke, and everything just looks horrible. He got so many good rolls during that match, and Archer just really did not ever have much to shoot at, though he did make a few really bad mistakes.

[@justinbryson]

@@jgallagher1359 No, you obviously do not know what you are talking about.

[@jgallagher1359]

@@justinbryson Please explain. Start by what a US Open winner and long time excellent player is doing well in terms of technique to allow him to play at that level. Once you show you have an understanding of the benefits of Kennedy's technique I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on the downsides of it.

[@justinbryson]

@@jgallagher1359 His US Open win was a fluke. He was never in the same league as Johnny Archer, for example. Just look at all if the works championships that Archer has one, along with all of the other big titles that he has won through his career. Kennedy has always been a great player, but only a great Regional player in Florida. His stroke is just horrible, in my opinion. And his fundamentals just look horrible. Watch Archer play for example. Do you not see a huge difference in their styles of playing?