NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. - China's Xiaoting Pan won her first and last WPBA title of 2010, pocketing the final nine to the roar of a sold-out crowd in the WPBA's prestigious year-end Tour Championships.
Pan defeated veteran pro Karen Corr of Ireland 7-4 in the match taped for later broadcast by ESPN/ESPN2. The tour championship was hosted by the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel and included sponsorship by the American Poolplayers Association (the world's largest pool league); Diamond Billiard Tables; Iwan Simonis billiard cloth; Aramith balls, Delta13 rack, Cuetec Cues, Pooldawg and Mueller Recreation Products.
Enjoy the following blow-by-blow of the final match!
(Race to 7, alternate break)
Game 1 Break: Corr makes nothing. Pan makes 1, 2, plays safe on 3. Corr misses bank. Pan runs out to lead 1-0.
Game 2 Break: Pan Makes the 7, runs the rack to take a 2-0 lead.
Game 3 Break: Corr makes 1 on the break, but then misses. Pan has open shot and runs out to go up 3-0.
Game 4 Break: Pan Makes 1 on the break then scratches on safety attempt. Corr runs the remainder of the rack and is down 1-3.
Game 5 Break: Corr makes nothing on the break. Pan plays safe but Corr makes tough cut on 1 and runs out to narrow the gap 2-3.
Game 6 Break: Pan makes nothing on the break. Corr plays safe on 1. Pan executes a jump shot and makes it, nearly runs the rack but comes up short on 8 and misses cut. Corr makes both 8 & 9 to tie the match at 3-3.
Game 7 Break: Corr Makes the 5, has no shot on the 1, so plays safe, but leaves a shot. Pan runs out for a 4-3 lead.
Game 8 Break: Pan makes nothing on the break. Corr has an open shot on 1, but is hooked on 2 and misses. Pan plays safe. Corr returns safety with a kick safety. Pan misses a jump shot. Corr miscues, and with ball in hand. Pan runs out for a 5-3 lead
Game 9 Break: Corr makes nothing on the break. Pan rolls out. They trade safeties until Pan scratches on a kick. Corr runs 2, 3, plays safe on 4 ball. Pan makes thin cut on 4, but jaws 5. Corr kicks 5 in and runs out! Now down 4-5.
Game 10 Break: Pan makes nothing on the break. Corr makes the 1, hidden on the 2, kicks but leaves a look. Pan runs 2, 4 but misses 5-9 combo. Corr scratches trying safety. Pan runs out to lead 6-4.
Game 11 Break: Corr makes the 1,5,7 and plays safe on the 2. Pan returns the safe. Corr kicks, leaves a look. Pan thin cuts in the 2 and runs out for the game, match and Tour Championship title!
Xiaoting Pan and Karen Corr both thanked the fans and sponsors, as well as special thanks to the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, a first-time host site for the WPBA who thrilled players and fans alike with the outstanding event site, first-class accommodations and impeccable staff and hospitality!
