Tkach Triumphs Over Fefilova to Secure WPBA Olhausen Colorado Classic Title

Kristina Tkach has solidified her position at the top of the WPBA rankings by winning the prestigious Olhausen Colorado Classic, held from August 21 to 24, 2025. This victory marks her first title of the season and underscores her dominance in the sport, as she maintains a significant lead in the rankings. Despite facing Margarita Fefilova, the defending champion, Tkach showcased her skills and resilience by battling back from a previous defeat to claim the championship.

• Event: WPBA Olhausen Colorado Classic
• Date: August 21-24, 2025
• Location: Felt Bar & Restaurant, Englewood, CO
• Participants: 64 competitors
• Prize Fund: $25,000 added
• Top Finishers: 1st – Kristina Tkach, 2nd – Margarita Fefilova, 3rd – Pia Filler

Generational Matchups Highlight the Tournament

The Olhausen Colorado Classic featured a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, reflecting a generational shift in women’s billiards. The quarterfinals showcased several matchups between younger players and experienced competitors, a trend that has become increasingly common in the sport. Notably, the match between Pia Filler and Kaylee McIntosh featured two players born within a month of each other, exemplifying the youth movement in the game.

Younger talents like Savannah Easton, Sofia Mast, and Kaley Sullivan, all 25 and under, competed fiercely against veterans such as Monica Webb and Allison Fisher. Tkach, just outside the 25-and-under bracket, faced Billie Billing, another long-time player, in her quest for the title.

FargoRate Rankings Play a Role

The tournament’s outcomes were closely aligned with the players’ FargoRates, a rating system that accurately predicted performance. The top four players by this metric—Allison Fisher (744), Kristina Tkach (743), Margarita Fefilova (732), and Pia Filler (715)—finished in the top four positions. This indicates the reliability of the FargoRate system in assessing player capabilities.

Tkach’s Path to the Finals

Tkach’s journey to the finals was marked by decisive victories. She began her campaign with two commanding wins, defeating Tarah Connor and Billie Billing with scores of 8-1. Following these matches, she continued her dominance by overcoming Ashley Rice 8-3 and shutting out Janet Atwell. In the winners’ side semifinals, Tkach faced off against Allison Fisher, securing her place in the hot seat match with an 8-3 victory.

Fefilova’s Road to the Hot Seat

On the other side of the bracket, Fefilova started strong with a series of impressive wins, including a shutout against Amanda Mann and an 8-4 victory over Eylul Kibaroglu. She continued her winning streak by defeating Olivia Cheng and Monica Webb, ultimately earning her spot in the hot seat match against Tkach after an 8-6 win over Pia Filler.

The Final Showdown

The finals between Tkach and Fefilova promised to be a thrilling contest, and they did not disappoint. The match was a race to 10, with both players exchanging leads and ties throughout. Tkach opened the scoring with a break-and-run, establishing an early advantage. The match saw six ties and numerous shifts in momentum, highlighting the intense competition between the two top players.

As the match progressed, it became clear that rack #13 would be pivotal. With the score tied at 6-6, Tkach’s win in that rack allowed her to take the lead once again. Fefilova faced a challenging situation after Tkach’s victory, leading to a push on her next break. Tkach capitalized on this opportunity, winning two consecutive racks and gaining a commanding 9-6 lead.

Fefilova managed to win the 16th rack, briefly restoring hope for a comeback. However, Tkach’s strong performance continued, and she closed out the match after Fefilova missed a crucial shot, sealing her victory and marking her first title of the 2025 season.

Appreciation for Sponsors and Future Events

The WPBA expressed gratitude to the Felt Bar & Restaurant for hosting the event and acknowledged the sponsors who contributed to the tournament’s success, including Olhausen Billiards, Moonlighting Billiards, and Simonis Cloth, among others. The community support played a vital role in making the Olhausen Colorado Classic a memorable event.

Looking ahead, the WPBA has announced the postponement of two upcoming events, the Borderline Brunswick Invitational and the WPBA Railyard Invitational, pushing them to 2026. The only remaining event on the 2025 WPBA calendar is the Dr. Pool Tour Championships, scheduled for November 12-15 at the Wisconsin Convention and Expo Center in Rothschild, WI.

Reader Q&A

What was the significance of Tkach’s win at the Colorado Classic?

Tkach’s victory at the Olhausen Colorado Classic not only marked her first title of the 2025 season but also reinforced her leading position in the WPBA rankings, showcasing her dominance in women’s billiards.

How did the FargoRate system influence the tournament outcomes?

The FargoRate system accurately predicted the performance of players, with the top four competitors finishing as expected based on their ratings. This highlights the reliability of the system in assessing player abilities.

What upcoming events should fans look forward to in the WPBA calendar?

Fans can look forward to the Dr. Pool Tour Championships, the only remaining event on the 2025 WPBA calendar, taking place from November 12-15 in Rothschild, WI.