The Women's Professional Billiard Association (“WPBA”) is pleased to announce the signing of a 3-year deal with Zingales Billiards in Tallahassee, Florida, to host the prestigious WPBA Regional Tour Championship (“RTC”). Each year, top-ranked players from each WPBA sanctioned Regional Tour receive special invitations to compete for thousands of dollars, a WPBA Pro Tour Card, and the auspicious title of “WPBA Regional Tour Champion”. The RTC happens only once a year, showcasing the greatest, semi- professional pool players in the U.S., aspiring to raise their game while competing on a WPBA Regional Tour.
In late 2015, after an extensive vetting process, Zingales was selected to host the 2016 RTC, and following all of the positive player reviews, WPBA made the decision to bring more stability to one of its longest-running, annual events. “We’ve signed a venue that the regional tour players love, and established firm dates in order for them to plan their trips in advance, for the next three years”, says Kim Newsome, WPBA President. Michael Zingale and the entire Zingale family couldn’t be happier. “I'm excited about the 3-year deal with the WPBA. The 2016 event was great. It was the first time we worked with the WPBA, and the first time we had a full field, women's event. The thing that stuck out the most from that event was how wonderful all the ladies were. There is always at least one issue when I have my open events with players. We didn't have one issue and the women were so polite to our staff and very complimentary of our place. The event really went well. I can't wait to see some of the ladies again and hopefully some new faces too. The 2017 RTC will be great and we can’t wait to watch the ladies in action. Many thanks to the WPBA for this opportunity,” says owner Michael Zingale.
This year, there will be some new upgrades in store for WPBA Regional Tour Players. New Delta-13 Elite Racks will be provided for all twenty (20) 9’ tables and some of the older tables have been improved with new anchors for rail bolts. “I always try and do a few upgrades to the room every year for the players. Upgrades are pricey, but well worth it in the long run”, says Zingale. Aside from the impeccable playing equipment, Zingales is adding an 85" and two (2) 70" TV’s for its guests. “Watching the live stream on the 85" will be awesome for spectators who can't get a birds-eye view of the table”, says Zingale.
For the next three years, the RTC will be held on January 12th-15th, 2017, January 11th-14th, 2018, and January 10th-13th, 2019, at Zingales Billiards, located at 1861 W. Tennessee St., Tallahassee, FL 32304. The annual event consists of sixty-four (64) WPBA Regional Tour invitees from across the U.S. and Canada, competing in a 4-day, round robin, double-elimination format. Spectators will enjoy watching the best semi-professional players that women’s billiards has to offer, in person, or via the WPBA Live Stream available at www.wpba.com. The WPBA invites everyone to share in the thrill of this billiard extravaganza!
The WPBA is the governing body of women’s professional billiards in the U.S., and this year, celebrates its 40th anniversary. The WPBA Regional Tour System is the grass roots system that feeds the WPBA Pro Billiards Tour. Amateur and semi-professional, female players, who aspire to play women’s professional billiards, must qualify through this elite system in order to attain the sought-after title, WPBA Exempt Professional. Exclusively, WPBA Regional Tour Players gain access to WPBA Pro Event Qualifiers and earn valuable WPBA Regional Tour Points which count toward earning invitations to the prestigious WPBA Regional Tour Championship and WPBA Pro Events. WPBA Regional Tours host WPBA State Championships, WPBA Qualifiers, and provide a list of benefits to their players under the umbrella of the WPBA.
The WPBA is looking for potential regional tour directors, across the U.S. and Canada, who may be interested in starting a regional tour in their area. In order to increase attendance and exposure, existing women’s events and billiard tours may also want to consider sanctioning with the WPBA. If you have experience running pool tournaments, connecting with players and pool rooms, and a desire to help the women in your area achieve their goals in the sport of billiards, please consider starting your own WPBA Regional Tour, holding a WPBA State Championship, or a WPBA Qualifier. Support and become a part of, the longest-running, professional billiard organization in the U.S., the WPBA.
Currently, there are two (2) qualifiers scheduled for the 2017 WPBA Masters to be held at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, February 1st-5th, 2017.
Qualifiers:
Fat Racks Sports Bar & Billiards, San Antonio, Texas, November 12th-13th (Gulf Coast Tour) Bogies Billiards & Sports Bar, Houston, Texas, October 8th-9th (Gulf Coast Tour)
Capone’s Billiards, Spring Hill, Florida, October 8th-9th (
Jeannie Seaver 9-Ball Tour)
