Newly crowned World Champ Kelly Fisher is congratulated by Yalin President Eric Ding
Manila, Philippines- Great Britain's Kelly Fisher accomplished her life goal of becoming the World Champion in pool. Fisher maintained her undefeated run in Manila to race to the Yalin World Championship title with her 10-4 dismantling of Taiwan's Pei Chen Tsai. Fisher excelled in a field that had 70 pro players worldwide vying for the title, and fought for 5 days winning 9 matches in a row in the sport's hardest tournament to win.
Pei Chen Tsai knocked out heavy hitters prior to the finals including a 8-7 thriller over Filipina Rubilen Amit in the quarters, and then squeaked by paper favorite Ga Young Kim of Korea 9-7 in the semis. Tsai made an incredible kickshot on the final 3 balls with the match hanging in the balance at 8-7. The shot set up her win and seat at the finals.
"It was an amazing shot to come with at that moment", said Charlie Williams, one of the top men's pros.
"We really like to see new faces succeed at our events. We have had Asian, European, and American winners. We like the fact the players come knowing it's going to be fair for all. In our final four we had a Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, and British player. We couldn't have hoped for much better diversity," commented Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.
In the finals, the match was hyped up with special celebrity MC announcers. First, ABS-CBN's Peter Musgni, the most famous voice of the Philippines, introduced the audience to the final match of the World 10-Ball Championship. Then ABS-CBN Morning Show host Andrei Felix took it away and introduced the players with music blaring. The arena was jammed packed, and a fitting World Championship scene was set. East versus West once more with England versus Taiwan.
Kelly Fisher took down the first game 1-0 but Tsai leveled it off the next frame. Fisher kept the lead but saw it tied again at 3-3. The table was playing tight, and Fisher used a controlled break while Tsia cannoned her break each time. Neither players having much success on the break, which is common in 10-Ball. Fisher then capitalized on a miss from Tsai and proceeded to win the next 6 games in a row. Both players getting opportunities, but Fisher making the most of it, defeating Tsai tactically the majority of the time. Tsai was able to mark one more game up on her side, but the lead was too insurmountable by then. Fisher clenched her fists over her cue and threw her hands up in the air as she pocketed the final ball.
It was the first finals of a World Championship for both Tsai and Fisher.
"I can't believe that I've finally done it. It really hasn't hit me yet," said Fisher after the match. When asked about her original plan she disclosed in past news of how she plans to become the champion she replied ,"I know! I can't believe it actually worked this time. Maybe I should just always go and say that I'm going to win", she laughs.
"This tournament is very exciting! I hope I can come back and win it in the future", said Tsai in her closing interview after the finals.
"I've had alot of ups and downs the past couple years, and haven't really won anything. It's frustrating sometimes, but I kept working on my game and trying to get better. And then finally I had a good result last week in China getting to the finals, and then came here and won. It proves you just have to stick with it," added Kelly.
Fisher joins Allison Fisher as the only two players, man or woman, to hold World Championship titles in both snooker and pool. Both players coincidentally are both from England and both share the same last name, though not related.
"It's nice that the veterans are the ones keeping up with the Asians lately. Kelly really deserves it and I'm happy for her," said Allison Fisher. Allison could be seen at all of Kelly's matches giving her support.
Kelly Fisher and Allison Fisher will next appear together at the Dragon Promotions World Mixed Doubles in China at the end of the month.
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The Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship is additionally sponsored by ABS-CBN Sports, Robinson's Galleria, Predator Cues, Pool & Billiard Magazine, Top147.com, Simonis Cloth, Aramith Balls, Magic 89.9, and Crown Plaza Galleria Ortigas. The event will be airing on ABS-CBN and internationally on ESPN Star Sports. The event will be broadcasted live for all five days of the main event with 25 hours of broadcast television coverage. Stories, complete info and updates will be on www.WomensWorld10Ball.com .
With these global network and media partners the Yalin Women's World 10-Ball Championship is still the biggest and most watched women's billiard event in the world.
For more info email womensworld10ball@gmail.com www.WomensWorld10Ball.com
