The WPBA Classic Players Championship recently came to a close in Lauderhill, Florida, after a week of intense competition and high-level play. Hosted at Classic Billiards, the tournament brought together elite athletes from around the world to compete for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s professional pool. The event was a significant milestone for the sport, featuring a diverse field of players representing 17 different countries. Throughout the week, the atmosphere was filled with tension and excitement as the bracket narrowed down to the final four competitors on Championship Sunday. The international lineup for the semi-finals highlighted the growing global reach and depth of talent within the Women’s Professional Billiards Association.
Chieh-Yu Chou Claims the Title
In the final match, Chieh-Yu Chou from Taiwan emerged as the champion after a series of disciplined and precise performances. Chou’s path to the title was marked by her impressive cue-ball control and her ability to remain calm under pressure. Spectators noted her masterful decision-making and steady authority at the table, which allowed her to control the pace of the match. While the competition was fierce, Chou’s consistency in the biggest moments ultimately secured her the victory. Her win adds another significant achievement to her professional career and solidifies her place among the top players in the game today.
Finalists and Top Finishers
Chezka Centeno of the Philippines finished as the runner-up after an exciting run that energized the crowd. Centeno reached the finals after a strong performance in the hot seat match, where she showed great confidence and aggressive shot selection. In the championship round, she challenged Chou rack for rack, forcing the eventual winner to play her best to stay ahead. Taking third place was Han Yu of China, who was recognized for her tactical brilliance and steady play. Fourth place went to Pia Filler of Germany, who demonstrated great determination and skill to reach the final stages of the bracket. The final standings, featuring players from Taiwan, the Philippines, China, and Germany, showcased the international nature of the tour.
Tournament Funding and Venue
The event was hosted at Classic Billiards, owned by Dave and Leah Bartosiak. For this championship, the venue contributed $50,000 in added money. According to the WPBA, this represents the largest single contribution of added funds from a pool hall in the organization’s 50-year history. These funds, supported by tour sponsors, are used to provide the prize pool for the competing athletes. The tournament concluded with a formal trophy presentation, marking the end of the association’s latest scheduled event on the professional tour.
Official Tournament Standings and Payouts
Below is a summary of the top finishers, their rankings, and the prize money awarded for their performance at the championship:
| Place | Name | Points | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chieh-Yu Chou | 30,000 | $17,000 |
| 2 | Chezka Centeno | 22,500 | $11,000 |
| 3 | Yu Han | 19,500 | $7,000 |
| 4 | Pia Filler | 18,000 | $5,000 |
| 5-6 | Kristina Zlateva | 15,750 | $4,000 |
| 5-6 | Wang Wan-Ling | 15,750 | $4,000 |
| 7-8 | Kelly Fisher | 14,250 | $3,000 |
| 7-8 | Chia Hua Chen | 14,250 | $3,000 |
| 9-12 | Sofia Mast | 12,750 | $2,300 |
| 13-16 | Jasmin Ouschan | 11,250 | $1,700 |
Information and media credit: WPBA Official Facebook Page