Breakthrough in Denver: Margarita Fefilova Claims First WPBA Win
Champion Margarita Fefilova Styer, Runner-up Pia Filler, Felt Owners Joseph and Adam, Olhausen Family, Adam Burke, Tournament Director Jerry Stuckart, WPBA President Dean Roeseler
The 2024 WPBA Olhausen Colorado Classic, held at Felt Billiards & Bar in Denver, showcased a dazzling display of skill and competition from September 26th to 29th. With a strong field of 64 international competitors, this tournament featured intense matches and highlighted the rise of new talents in women's professional billiards. Sponsored by Olhausen Pool Tables, Fodor Billiards, and Adam Burke, the event added $15,000, drawing top talent and billiards enthusiasts to the scenic venue.
Margarita Fefilova's journey through the tournament was nothing short of spectacular, leading her to her first-ever WPBA tour victory. Fefilova won six consecutive matches, including notable victories over Dawn Hopkins (8-4), Laura Semko (8-2), Joann Mason Parker (8-4), Ashley Rice (8-4), and Kristina Zlateva (8-6). She secured her spot in the hot-seat by defeating Pia Filler with an 8-4 score, showcasing her dominance throughout the event.
Pia Filler also made a strong showing at the tournament. She achieved significant victories over players like Janet Atwell, Veronique Menard, and top-seeded Kristina Tkach. Filler’s semi-final match against Kristina Zlateva was a thrilling hill-hill battle, which she won 8-7, advancing her to the finals against Fefilova.
Monica Webb, returning with vigor, demonstrated her prowess by defeating several top competitors, including the 2024 Junior World Champion 10-ball player Sofia Mast, Kaylee McIntosh, Canada's top player Brittany Bryant, and Ashley Benoit before her run ended in the semi-finals against Zlateva, placing her fourth.
Kristina Zlateva, often a formidable contender, reached the semi-finals by defeating high-caliber players such as Ashley Rice and Monica Webb, before her loss to Pia Filler in a tense hill-hill semi-final. Zlateva ended in third place, earning $4,000.
Final Standings and Payouts:
1st Place: Margarita Fefilova - $8,000
2nd Place: Pia Filler - $5,500
3rd Place: Kristina Zlateva - $4,000
4th Place: Monica Webb - $3,000
5th/6th Places: Ashley Benoit, Briana Miller - $2,000 each
7th/8th Places: Sofia Mast, Kaylee McIntosh - $1,500 each
9th to 12th Places: Ashley Rice, April Larson, Kristina Tkach, Brittany Bryant - $1,275 each
13th to 16th Places: Caroline Pao, LoreeJon Brown, Emily Duddy, Pam Kelly - $1,000 each
17th to 24th Places: Betsy Sundholm, Stephanie Mitchell, Veronique Menard, Lisa Cossette, Susan Williams, Kennedy Meyman, Nicole Keeney, Joann Mason Parker - $500 each
Social and Community Engagement: A special Pro-am Scotch Triples event held on Wednesday night saw fans team up with pros for a series of round-robin matches, culminating in a dramatic final where April Larson's team made a stunning comeback to clinch the title against Shanelle Loraine's team.
Exploring Denver: The scheduling allowed players and spectators to enjoy Denver’s attractions, with many participating in group dinners and local excursions.
Acknowledgments: A special thank you to Joseph and Adam of Felt Billiards for their exceptional hosting. Samm Diep, the event promoter and renowned billiards coach, was pivotal in orchestrating this event, drawing on her extensive experience and network to deliver a seamless experience.
Ranking Update and Upcoming Events: The WPBA rankings have seen significant changes post-event, with Kristina Tkach taking over as the new #1. Following closely are Margarita Fefilova at #2, Allison Fisher at #3, Kristina Zlateva at #4, Kelly Fisher at #5, and Tzu-Chien Wei at #6. For a full rundown of the WPBA rankings, visit wpba.com/rankings. The complete tournament bracket with match scores can be viewed at DigitalPool.
Join us in two short weeks at Railyard Billiards and Sports Pub in Louisville, KY, from October 10th to 13th for more world-class billiards action as the tour continues.
Champion Margarita Fefilova Styer
Our Finalist's Margarita Fefilova Styer and Pia Filler right before the Final Match
