Ouschan opens defense of world 10-ball crown today

REIGNING World Women’s Ten Ball Champion Jasmin Ouschan of Austria will start defense of her title today as the 2011 Yalin World Women’s 10-Ball Championship opens at the Robinson’s Galleria in Ortigas.

Ouschan, a crowd darling in her several campaigs in the country, will defend her crown against 48 of the world’s top women’s players, including inaugural champion Rubilen “Bingkay”Amit of the Philippines and Ga Young Kim, Yu Ram Cha and Erica Park of Korea, Allison and Kelly Fisher of England, Siming Chen and Xiaofang Fu of China.

“I live to defend my title of course. But coming to an event as the defending champion is never easy. There is extra pressure on my shoulders but pressure is a privilege and that is how I see it. I will do my best and have a good time on the table and what happens happens,” says the very popular Ouschan.

What’s special about 10-Ball?

“Well first of all it is my first world champion title and I know how hard we (her coach Michael Neumann) worked for this title. Also I love 10-Ball because in this new discipline, the luck factor is not as high as in others. And I also won this title in the Philippines where I have so many fans that have supported me throughout the years. All that makes it very special and important. “

What would you feel if you successfully defend your title?

“I have no idea. It would be amazing, and I would probably need some time to realize it. But I also know that this year was not easy and right now I am just thinking of the first match I have to play.”  /Correspondent Marlon Bernardino