Two Lee's, two Hida's and a Japanese singer

NEW YORK - There's a question nobody can (or wants) to answer in the Carom Cafe in New York? What is the age of Kazim Hida, the triple world champion Orie Hida's mother who's still playing. Therese Klompenhouwer, current world champion, said after she defeated the Japanese veteran 25-2, that it's a deep-kept secret in billiards.

The youngest player at the Jennifer Shim tournament is known: the 18-year-old Alina Shim, who happens to have the same name as Jennifer and is one of the no-hope-victims, like the Japanese born American Josephine Nidy, known as a singer and a pool player, not able to shine in carom. On this Sunday afternoon Nidy was knocked down by Karina Jetten 25-1 in 22 innings.

More nice tidbits? Olivia Lee is the daughter of the legendary Sang Lee. Helen Lee is the wife of Ira Lee, who has a role in the organization in the New York tournament. Jessica Caudron, of course, is the very cheerful wife of Frédéric, who's following the world star wherever he goes and therefore has no time to practice.

The top four in the preliminary rounds after six rounds is already known: Therese Klompenhouwer, Orie Hida, Karina Jetten and Namiko Hayashi will finish on top, more than likely after the group matches. They gathered the maximum match points and face each other tonight in the final sessions: Klompenhouwer against Hida, Jetten against Hayashi.

The best match so far came from Therese Klompenhouwer's cue, in a wonderful match against Ryoko Kobayashi, in which she had three poings after six innings and finished with a run of nine in twelve innings. That match and the victory over Helga Mitterböck in 22 innings has lifted Klompenhouwer's average above Orie Hida. The Japanese had a little setback with two minor matches, but wins against mother Kazumi and Kobayashi.

Japanese, American singer Josephine Nidy

Sruong Pheavy had a weak second day so far, but kept her winning streak, unlike Sylvia Eckel, who has lost her way and has to struggle for qualification.

Orie Hida, Therese Klompenhouwer and Sruong Pheavy are virtually finalists in Group A. In the other group Karina Jetten, Namiko Hayashi and Mercedes Gonzalez will advance for sure. The remaining two places are at stake in the evening matches.

Therese Klompenhouwer, the best on average