Eylul Kibaroglu Defends Title at Predator Texas Open: Thrilling Double Hill Victory Over Aryana Lynch

When the Ladies 9-Ball final of the 2026 Predator Texas Open reached the deciding rack, both players were on the hill. Aryana Lynch, 23, from Texas, faced Eylul Kibaroglu, three-time defending champion from Turkey, in a match where data and emotion intertwined with every shot. Kibaroglu had won the hot seat match 7-1 earlier, but Lynch battled through the loss side to earn a rematch. In a double-hill final, Kibaroglu once again proved her composure, retaining her title.

The tournament was held at Skinny Bob’s Billiards in Round Rock, Texas, over Labor Day weekend (September 4-7). With 32 female competitors and a $3,000 added purse for the Ladies division, it attracted top regional talent. Notably, 90.6% of the field were American, with only two international players reaching the final 12. This reflects a reality: US women’s pool is still a domestic playground, but foreign stars like Kibaroglu are ready to cross borders and dominate.

Data never lies, but I have misheard it before. In this case, FargoRate data tells a clear story: Lynch has a 576 rating, while her loss-bracket semifinal opponent Kiana Sanders has 591. According to calculations, in a race-to-7, Sanders' edge is only 57.6% – a tight margin showing how the short format levels the playing field. Lynch beat Sanders in another double-hill match in the round of 16 and advanced further. Yet against Kibaroglu in the hot seat, she was almost helpless, losing 1-7. What changed?

Tactical context is key. Race-to-7 is a short format where one good break and a few run-outs can decide the match. In the hot seat, Kibaroglu controlled the break and maximized her opportunities, disrupting Lynch's rhythm. In the final, Lynch adjusted, created a tight battle, and forced a double-hill decider. This signals her adaptability, but inexperience in crucial racks ultimately cost her.

The majority laughed. The numbers did not. One year later, I will rewrite that article. Lynch’s journey is the story of a 23-year-old with nine years of professional play, but only three WPBA cash finishes since 2026. Her runner-up prize exceeded any full-year earnings she had since 2026 – a financial and reputational breakthrough. However, this is only her first deep run; one sample cannot confirm a trend.

For Kibaroglu, she entered as defending champion and completed the mission. Winning the hot seat 7-1 and then a double-hill final demonstrates outstanding closing ability. At 37, she remains the “queen” of the Predator Texas Open. While her FargoRate is not disclosed, her dominance suggests she is a class above the field. This gap indicates the event still lacks depth to truly challenge her.

When home is no longer a fortress, I learn to listen to empty stands. Lynch was the local player, playing at home, but that was not enough against Kibaroglu. The Texas crowd cheered, but home pressure could also be a burden. She fought resiliently but fell short against a seasoned champion.

Structurally, the race-to-7 format is the main source of drama. Thirty-two ladies entered, but only two reached the final. Skill gaps between rounds are large, and the short format invites upsets. However, in this case, the better player won.

One goalkeeper missing a catch is a mistake. Three goalkeepers missing the same catch is a signal. Here, the signal is Kibaroglu's dominance at this event over multiple years. Three titles, back-to-back defenses – this is not luck but superior class in a limited competitive environment.

Looking broader, the tournament saw international players dominate other divisions: Roberto Garcia (Open 9-Ball) and Billy Shuff (One Pocket) are Americans, but the 9-Ball runner-up was Jeffrey De Luna (Philippines). Ladies was the only division with a foreign champion, reflecting the reality that US women’s pool still lacks a strong emerging generation.

In conclusion, Kibaroglu’s victory is a story of consistency and composure, while Lynch is a promising phenomenon. The question is: can Lynch repeat this performance at bigger events? Or will she return to years of obscurity? The data has only just begun to tell the story. I will follow and document.