WPBA U.S. Open Offers Surprises
There have been a few early upsets at the Women’s Professional Billiard Association’s Cuetec Cues U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship, being held Oct. 12-16 at the Sandia Casino in Albuquerque, N.M.
Taiwanese player Hsin Huang beat No. 4-ranked Kelly Fisher, 9-5, while Megan Minerich defeated Gerda Hofstatter and Sarah Rousey beat Tiffany Nelson in the first round. Terri Mason, described on the WPBA’s Web site as a “WPBA newcomer and New York State champion,” also beat Romana Dokovic in the first round.
The competition continues through the weekend – visit www.wpba.com for the tournament chart and highlights.
Julie Kelly Triumphs in Windsor
Julie Kelly finally broke through for a WPBA title win.
The ebullient Irishwoman took a 7-5 victory over perennial top-ranker Fisher at the Cuetec Cues Canadian Classic in Windsor, Ontario, Oct. 6-10. Kelly lost to friend and road partner Corr in round four and went to the losers’ side, defeating Gerda Hofstatter, 9-8, Romana Dokovic, 9-3, Vivian Villareal, 9-7, and Hsin Huan, 7-2, to earn a semifinal rematch with Corr, who she dismissed handily, 7-4, to move forward into the final and trump Fisher.
Kelly was ecstatic after her long-awaited win, and took the opportunity to thank members of her family back in Ireland, as well as Corr, for their help and support in reaching her goal.