Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing, Inc. was proud to be the Official Table Sponsor for the Second Annual Women's 2005 TRICK SHOT CHALLENGE held at the ESPN Zone in Las Vegas on October 4.
"The pressure was just incredible," said a jubilant Ewa Laurance moments after winning the 2005 TRICK SHOT CHALLENGE. The Second Annual Women's trick shot event was held at the ESPN Zone in Las Vegas, on October 4. Laurance defeated Allison Fisher in the final match 10-7. She claimed the winner's purse of $25,000 and was crowned the "International Trick Shot Champion." The two semifinals and the Championship match were taped by ESPN for telecast beginning in November.
"This was the most difficult tournament I ever played," said Laurance "Trick shots in competition demand the ultimate in skill, and one shot missed means you lose $25,000. It was an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end."
Indeed, of the four players who earned a berth in the event, Laurance had to battle her way to the title. She defeated Gerda Hofstatter in the semifinal round 12-11. The format required each player to perform six Artistic shots and four Skill shots, with one point awarded for each shot successfully executed. Players challenged their opponents with shots of their choice and their opponents were required to duplicate the shot or lose a point. The Players alternated back and forth with challenge shots.
Allison Fisher bested Dawn Hopkins in the other semifinal round 11- 8. All of the players displayed brilliance in their matches, performing magic on green felt with an arsenal of Artistic and Skill shots. Fisher took home $5,000 as runnerup, and Hofstatter and Hopkins each won $2,000.
The crowd gave Ewa Laurance a standing ovation when she won the final match. She raised her arms in victory and then accepted the highest single winner's purse in trick shot competition. The check were presented by ESPN Zone and Olhausen Billiards, and Scorpion Cues presented a one-of-a-kind cue inscribed "2005 International Trick Shot Champion." The presentation brought another round of cheers from the audience.
In addition to the fine tournament site at ESPN Zone, the event was sponsored by Olhausen Billiards, Scorpion Cues, Aramith Super Pro Balls, Simonis Cloth, Mueller Recreational Products, the Association for P.O.O.L., Original Italian Slate, Ozone Billiards, and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPBA sanctioned event was produced by Matt Braun and Bettiane Braun of Billiards International, Ltd. in association with Allen Hopkins.
Olhausen, located in Poway, California, is known for their beautifully hand-crafted pool tables and fine line of matching game room accessories. The Olhausen Authorized Dealer Network extends throughout the United States and the world. Olhausen products are proudly made in the USA and are available in Oak, Maple, Cherry, and a variety of exotic hardwoods, which can be custom-finished to match your décor. Olhausen Billiard Manufacturing, Inc. is celebrating over 30 years in the business and has consistently pursued a tradition of dedication to Quality, Service, Selection, and Value. These attributes have earned the company the title of "The Best in Billiards." For more information about Olhausen or its products, call 1-800-866-4606 or log on to Olhausen's World Wide Web Site at (http://www.olhausenbilliards.com).
