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Jasmin Ouschan Wins Spot in WPBA U.S. Open
Sep 25, 2006, 11:09 AM

After a disappointing finish in the International Pool Tour's World Open 8-Ball Championship earlier this month, Austrian Jasmin Ouschan traveled to Waterloo, Ontario to compete in the King Custom Cases 2007 Classic WPBA Qualifier, held Sept. 9-10.

Ouschan's 9-ball prowess didn't fail her, as she ripped through the field of 25 players, seven of which are semi-pro caliber, without a loss and will debut in the WPBA Oct. 19-22 at the U.S. Open in Albuquerque.

Ouschan, who won the Enjoypool.com 9-Ball Championship in May, is exploring a career as a pro player in the WPBA. "She is going into the right path, and it won't be long before she becomes pro," said Carolina Fernandez, CEO Canadian Women's Pool Tour, which the tournament was a part of. "We are very excited to see her play at our event. She is very professional and a great shot!"

Sunday's match for the hot seat drew many spectators to see Ouschan pitted against Toronto's own Maureen "Mo" Seto. Mo jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Ouschan came back with great safety play and soon knotted the score at two games apiece. Playing spectacularly, Mo won the fifth rack and then broke and ran the following rack to take a 4-2 lead in the match. That was the end of Mo's momentum, as Jasmin took advantage of a missed 9 ball to close the gap and then proceeded to knock out five games in a row, winning 7-4.

Seto then met Naomi Williams in the B-side final and fought another back-and-forth battle. Once again, Mo fell short, however, 7-4.

Anticipation was in the air as Williams faced Ouschan, who had knocked her to the B-side in the first place, in the final match. It was a close match to start, but the turning point occured when Ouschan, leading 3-2, snapped in the 9 on the break to go up 4-2 in the match. Naomi missed an opportunity at 5-2, and Ouschan ran out the next two racks to win the match. With wins over Terri Mason, (7-1), Rachael Abbink, (7-2), Maureen Seto, (7-4) and Naomi Williams, (7-1 and 7-2), Ouschan won $200 and the King Custom Cases WPBA Classic 2007 Qualifier.

1st Place - Jasmin Ouschan $200.00 + Qualifier
2nd Place - Naomi Williams $350
3rd Place - Maureen Seto $225
4th Place - Rachael Abbink $115
5th/6th Place - Stephanie Brenda/Lynne Martin - $70.00
Longest Lasting Amateur (7th Place) - Leanne Amable

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