Top-ranked and defending champion Allison Fisher struggled in her third-round match in the 64-player event, finally putting away Norway's Line Kjoersvik, 9-7. Second-ranked Karen Corr pounded Laura Smith, 9-3, while third-ranked Vivian Villarreal trounced Michigan native Vicki Paski, 9-2.

Helena Thornfeldt, ranked fourth, toppled close friend Monica Webb, 9-5, while fifth-seeded Gerda Hofstatter rallied from an 8-7 deficit to upend Aileen Pippen, 9-8.

The highest seed to fall in Friday's action was sixth-ranked Jennifer Chen, who dropped a heartbreaking 9-8 verdict to Jeanette Lee. Dawn Hopkins stomped newly crowned world 9-ball champion Julie Kelly of Ireland, 9-2, to stay alive in the winner's bracket. Ewa Laurance also remained unbeaten after
beating Tiffany Nelson, 9-4.

Action resumes Saturday afternoon, with winner's bracket matches slated for Saturday evening.

Winner's Bracket

Allison Fisher 9 - Line Kjoersvik 7
Dawn Hopkins 9 - Julie Kelly 2
Jeanette Lee 9 - Jennifer Chen 8
Helena Thornfeldt 9 - Monica Webb 5
Vivian Villarreal 9 - Vicki Paski 2
Gerda Hofstatter 9 - Aileen Pippen 8
Ewa Laurance 9 - Tiffany Nelson 4
Karen Corr 9 - Laura Smith 3

Loser's Bracket - 3rd Round
(loser eliminated)

Kelly Willis 9 - Kathy MacDonald 8
Neslie Ohare 9 - Diana Minor 8
Loree Jon Jones 9 - Megan Smith 4
Alice Rim 9 - Jeri Engh 3

Correction: In Friday afternoon's loser's bracket match, Kathy MacDonald defeated Ramona Biddle, not Alice Rim, as previously reported.