The following press release was received by us today from WPBA Touring Pro Jasmin Ouschan...
The Austrian Jasmin Ouschan, Winner of the WPBA Tour stop in North Carolina, was suspended for two tournaments by the WPBA Board (Women´s Professional Billiard Association). This suspension concerns the tournament in Florida which starts tomorrow and the first event in the new season. The reason for this suspension is, due to WPBA Boards statement, Jasmin Ouschans participation in the 10 Ball World Championship in Manila which was on the same date as the WPBA event in Oregon.
"Of course I am surprised about the decision and disappointed but I also have to understand the WPBA who wants to protect their tour. But I made my decision in time and announced it according to their rules. As a sportswoman I stand up to my decision that I chose to play in a World Championship, which was sanctioned by the World Pool Association (WPA) the only institution in our sport which has also the WPBA as a member. I think it was the right decision since a World Championship is one of the highest event in sport. That these two events were conflicting is not my fault but now I am the one who has to pay for it.“
Jasmin Ouschan says about the consequence of this suspension: "Due to my last victory on this tour I could finally change my ranking position. Because of my participation at the 10 Ball World Championship I already missed one event and so it hurts even more that I can´t play the last one either and so I miss about a third of the total points. Since the new season is also affected by the suspension I will have one less tournament in my valuation, I certainly changed my expectations.”
The current decision is not yet legal, since Jasmin Ouschan used her right to appeal.
A final decision should be available in the next 30 days.
The WPBA was contacted for a comment and they said that the issue is currently under appeal by Ms. Ouschan and they have no further comments at this time.
