The Women’s Professional Billiard Association Classic Championship brought some of the top women’s pool players in the world to Classic Billiards in Lauderhill this week, drawing international talent and local fans for four days of competition.
Held Feb. 12–15, the tournament takes place during the WPBA’s 50th legacy year. This year’s event features $50,000 in added prize money, increasing the total purse beyond player entry fees.
“We’ve never had $50,000 added at a pool hall tournament before,” said WPBA world number one Kristina Tkach. “It’s a huge milestone for women’s pool.”
Seventeen countries are represented in the field, with veterans and rising players competing in a double-elimination format. Crowds gathered around the featured table as Kelly Fisher and Jeanette Lee — known as “The Black Widow” — faced off in a highly anticipated matchup. Lee, who has been open about her battle with stage four cancer, said returning to competition feels like coming home.
Matches continued throughout the day with Jasmin Ouschan, Chezka Centeno, Pia Filler and Tkach.
WPBA President Dean Roessler said the strength of this year’s field rivals that of past world championship-caliber events.
A champion will be crowned on Sunday.
