Allison Fisher (Photo courtesy of David Thomson mediumpool.com)
“I am finally back,” said an excited Allison Fisher moments after capturing her sixth International Tournament of Champions title. Allison now leads Ga Young Kim who holds five Tournament of Champion titles. The thrill of victory was all the greater since it had been several years since she won her last Tournament of Champion title.
The spirited $15,000 winner-take-all event was held at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey, September 21. Fisher, the 2016 Masters Champion, defeated Kelly Fisher in the final match and was crowned the new Woman’s “Champion of Champions.” The semi and final matches require a player to win two sets, race to four games each set. In the event of a tie, the pressure becomes brutal with a one game sudden death tiebreaker. The two semifinals and the Championship match were taped for broadcast by ESPN beginning Sunday, December 11 at 1:00 pm EST on ESPN2.
“We may look cool out there, but the pressure is overwhelming,” said Allison. “I knew I had to play well from the start being matched first against Ga Young, and then to meet Kelly in the finals I couldn’t let up.” Kelly Fisher started out strong in both sets of the Final with a 2-0 lead, only to see Allison come back in each set and win 4-2, 4-2 for the Championship trophy and the winner’s take all check.
Allison had to go through Ga Young Kim in the first semifinal. Ga Young, the 2016 WPBA U.S. Open winner, got ahead early three games to one but Fisher fought back and won the first set 4-3. Fisher then took complete control, playing perfectly and defeated Ga Young 4-0 in the second set.
The other semifinal also brought cheers from the crowd. Kelly Fisher of Ireland prevailed against Jasmin Ouschan of Austria by a score of 4-3 and 4-2. Jasmin played tough and led in the first set but missed a couple of key shots allowing Kelly to close her out.
The crowd gave Allison Fisher a standing ovation when she won the “Champion of Champions” title, her sixth, making her the winningest player in Tournament of Champions history. She raised her arms in victory and then accepted the winner’s purse of $15,000. The trophy and the check were presented by Gregg Hovey of Billiards International.
The 2016 event was the 19th Annual International Tournament of Champions. Bill Talerico, Executive Vice President of Sports & Entertainment for Trump Taj Mahal, was delighted with the play and the crowd of pool fans. “We were extremely pleased with this event,” he said. “This is the last event to be held at the Trump Taj Mahal, and it was first class all the way. I wish we could hold this event next year. It was great for Atlantic City.”
In addition to the fine tournament site at the Trump Taj Mahal, the event was sponsored by Diamond Billiard Tables, Aramith Tournament Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, J. Pechauer Custom Cues, PoolDawg.com, Cuetec, CueMate Cue Stands, Marty Carey Jump Cues and Bill Westley Racks. The WPBA sanctioned event was produced by Gregg Hovey of Billiards International.
