Kibaroglu defends Texas Open Ladies title after thrilling double-hill final

At the Predator Texas Open Championship held last weekend in Round Rock, Texas, Turkish cueist Eylul Kibaroglu successfully defended her Ladies 9-Ball title for the third consecutive year. The thrilling 7-6 (double hill) victory over American rising star Aryana Lynch not only reaffirmed Kibaroglu's class but also opened a new chapter for the US women's pool scene. The tournament featured 32 female competitors in a race-to-7 format – a short format known for its high upset potential. Kibaroglu, 37, entered as defending champion and dominated the winners' side, defeating Lynch 7-1 in the hot seat match to secure a spot in the final. However, Lynch, 23, from Texas, fought back through the losers' bracket, notably beating Kaylee Sanders (FargoRate 591, 15 points higher than Lynch) 7-5 in the semi-finals. Statistics showed Sanders' win probability in a race-to-7 against Lynch was only 57.6%, highlighting how the short format levels the playing field. The final was a tense affair that went to the deciding rack. Both players produced excellent shots and made costly errors. Ultimately, Kibaroglu's experience and composure prevailed in the 13th rack, sealing a 7-6 victory. This marks her third straight Texas Open Ladies title, an impressive feat of event dominance. Despite the loss, Lynch had a breakout tournament. After a nine-year career with only three known WPBA cashes since 2026, this was her first major final. The runner-up prize money exceeded her entire annual earnings from any year since 2026, underscoring her overperformance against a FargoRate of 576. She has emerged as a formidable name in US women's pool. However, the Ladies division remains limited in depth. With only $3,000 added to the prize fund, the event is semi-professional. 90.6% of entrants were American, and only two international players reached the final 12. This partly explains why Kibaroglu, despite dominating this event, has not yet broken into the world's elite. The race-to-7 format also amplified drama: Kibaroglu won 7-1 in the winners' side, then faced a nail-biting final. This demonstrates how short formats can override class with variance. Kibaroglu proved her champion mettle, winning decisively under pressure. For US women's pool, Lynch's performance is a positive signal – a young player finally breaking through after years of struggle. Whether she can sustain this form remains the key question. As for Kibaroglu, she continues to own the Texas Open, but to truly go global, she must excel in larger events with longer formats. In summary, the Predator Texas Open 2026 delivered excitement, with Kibaroglu's deserved victory and Lynch's impressive run. The tournament once again highlighted the appeal of race-to-7, where everything can change in one rack. This year's Texas Open is a testament to the adage: 'Before choosing a team, read the name they are called.' Here, the most memorable name remains Eylul Kibaroglu.