Corr Claims 2007 Champion of Champions Title
“I am thrilled beyond words,” said an elated Karen Corr moments after capturing the 2007 Mohegan Sun International Tournament of Champions title. The pressure packed $25,000 winner-take-all event was held at the Mohegan Sun Resort Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, October 31. Corr, the defending 2006 Champion, defeated World Ranked #1 Allison Fisher 4-0 and 4-1 in the final match and was crowned the 2007 “Champion of Champions.” The two semifinals and the Championship match were taped for broadcast by ESPN.
“We may look cool out there, but the pressure is just incredible,” said Corr “There’s no margin for error when every player is a champion. One shot missed and you can lose $25,000! Your emotions are off the chart during the entire tournament.”
Indeed, of the four international champions in the event, Corr played at the top of her game and virtually blitzed the field on her way to the title. She defeated World Ranked #4 Monica Webb in the semifinal round 4-1 and 4-3. The semi and final matches require a player to win two sets, race to 4 games each set with alternate break. In the event of a tie, the pressure becomes intense with a one game sudden death shootout.
The other semifinal also brought cheers from the crowd. Allison Fisher and San Diego Classic Champion Kelly Fisher battled back and forth in a seesaw match. Kelly took the first set 4-2 and Allison regrouped to win the second set 4-1. They then played a one game sudden death, and after a brief safety duel, Allison closed out the match by running the table.
Corr’s finals match against Allison Fisher featured exquisite safety play and several flawless run outs. In the first set, Corr ran four straight racks, despite the alternate break format, for a score of 4-0. The second set began much the same with Corr taking the first three racks and jumping out to an early lead. Allison Fisher, who never seemed to find her stroke, finally got her only run out of the match in game four of set two. Known for her pinpoint accuracy Corr took the next game to close out the Championship match 4-0 and 4-1.
The crowd gave Karen Corr a standing ovation when she won the final match and back-to-back Champion of Champions titles. She raised his arms in victory and then accepted the highest single winner’s purse in Women’s pool of $25,000. The trophy and the check were presented by Mohegan Sun and Olhausen Billiards, and Cuetec Cues presented a one-of-a-kind cue inscribed “2007 Champion of Champions.”
The 2007 event was the Tenth Annual International Tournament of Champions. Bob Yalen, Director of Sports Entertainment for Mohegan Sun, was delighted with the support displayed by the crowd of pool fans. “We will continue to host this event,” he said. “The crowds were even more than we anticipated, and the players were amazing. We are extremely pleased.”
In addition to the fine tournament site at Mohegan Sun, the event was sponsored by Cuetec Cues, Olhausen Billiards Tables, Aramith Super Pro Billiard Balls, Simonis Cloth, L.E.A.N.I. Italian Slate, Ozone Billiards, AcCue Shot Training Device and Silver Cup Chalk. The WPBA sanctioned event was produced by Billiards International, Ltd.