Seo Seo-a wins Cariño World Women's 10-Ball Open, defeating world No. 1

South Korean women's pool player Seo Seo-a (Incheon Metropolitan City Sports Council, world No. 10) won the Cariño World Women's 10-Ball Open in Austria, defeating three of the world's top-ranked players in succession.

Seo clinched the title Wednesday by beating world No. 1 Jasmin Ouschan of Austria 2-0 in sets (4-3, 4-3) in the final. The victory marks her first international title of the season and reaffirms South Korea's standing in women's pocket billiards on the world stage.

Seo's run to the title featured a string of wins over top-ranked opponents. She eliminated world No. 3 Kristina Tkach of Russia 2-1 (4-3, 1-4, 4-1) in the round of 16, then knocked out world No. 2 Pia Filler of Germany 2-1 (4-0, 1-4, 4-2) in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, she edged world No. 32 Zhang Muyan of China 2-1 (4-2, 1-4, 4-2) before completing the run with her victory over Ouschan in the final.

Seo had a strong run of international results last year as well. She won the Indonesia Open in July 2025, followed by the International Women's 10-Ball Open in November and the World 9-Ball Championship in December — claiming three international titles in a single year.

The tournament carried a total purse of $90,000 (about 138 million won), with Seo taking home the winner's share of $27,000 (about 41 million won). The result is also expected to significantly boost her world ranking points.

Seo is scheduled to return to South Korea on Thursday morning, arriving at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. A welcome ceremony and press conference to celebrate her victory are planned at the airport upon her arrival.