2024 WPBA Soaring Eagle Masters Recap
Jerry Stuckart Tournament Director, Tim McCullough Soaring Eagle, Rita Chou Winner, Kristina Tkach Runner up, Dean Roeseler WPBA President, Mike Veasey Diamond Billiard Products
The 2024 WPBA Soaring Eagle Masters, hosted at the scenic Soaring Eagle Resort in Mount Pleasant, Michigan from June 19th to 23rd, featured a field of 80 top international players and showcased some of the most thrilling matches in women's billiards this season.
Chieh-Yu "Rita" Chou's Spectacular Debut:
The tournament was highlighted by Chieh-Yu Chou's remarkable debut. Known as "Rita," Chou not only dominated the field but also clinched her first WPBA title. As the current 9-ball women's world champion, she navigated through the competition with a stellar 92% match win rate, ultimately claiming the top prize of $16,000. Her formidable presence and strategic acumen marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Kristina Tkach's Continued Excellence:
Kristina Tkach, a familiar face in WPBA finals, once again showcased her elite skills by finishing in second place for the third consecutive tournament, earning $10,000. Tkach's consistent performance highlights her as one of the tour's most resilient and talented players, indicating that her first title win since winning the WPBA Sondeim Diamond Invitational back in 2019 is likely just around the corner.
Veteran and Rising Stars Shine:
Allison Fisher and Margarita Fefilova also made strong showings, with Fisher securing third place and a $6,500 prize, and Fefilova finishing fourth with $4,500. Their matches were a testament to their enduring skills and competitive spirits. Additionally, young talents like Savannah Easton and newcomers like Miina Tani, Nguyen Bich Tram, and Shui Ching Chiang made notable impacts, demonstrating the depth and diversity of talent within the WPBA.
Emerging Talent Jordan Helfery:
Jordan Helfery, only 12 years old, emerged from Stage 1 and made a name for herself by reaching the later rounds of the tournament. She displayed exceptional skill and promise, ultimately being edged out by another young star, Savannah "The Roadrunner" Easton.
Global Audience Engagement:
The entire event was live-streamed for free on the official WPBA Billiards YouTube page, featuring multiple tables and bonus matches throughout the tournament. Additionally, the stream was broadcast globally on BilliardTV, accessible on numerous streaming platforms, bringing this high-level competition to a worldwide audience.
Looking Forward:
The 2024 WPBA Soaring Eagle Masters not only celebrated the achievements of its participants but also underscored the WPBA's dedication to promoting women’s billiards on a global scale. The tournament's picturesque setting in Mount Pleasant provided a perfect backdrop for showcasing top-tier billiards talent and sportsmanship.
For a complete breakdown of match scores, detailed player journeys, and upcoming events, visit [wpba.com](http://wpba.com). This event has set a high standard for excellence and excitement, promising even more thrilling billiards action in future WPBA tournaments.
Final Standings and Prizes:
1st Place: 🥇 Chieh-Yu "Rita" Chou - $16,000
2nd Place: 🥈 Kristina Tkach - $10,000
3rd Place: 🥉 Allison Fisher - $6,500
4th Place: 💰 Margarita Fefilova - $4,500
5th-6th: 💰 Bean Hung, Brittany Bryant - $3,500 each
7th-8th: 💰 Pia Filler, Kelly Fisher - $2,800 each
9th-12th: 💰 April Larson, JoAnn Mason Parker, Tzu-Chien Wei, Janet Atwell - $2,000 each
13th-16th: 💰 Jasmin Ouschan, Kristina Zlateva, Savannah Easton, Miina Tani - $1,500 each
17th-24th: 💰 Sara Miller, Yuki Hiraguchi, Eleanor Callado, Veronique Menard, Shui Ching Chiang, Sofia Mast, Lonnie Fox-Raymond, Nguyen Bich Tram - $1,100 each
This comprehensive overview and celebratory narrative are set to captivate readers across our website, in magazines, and on social media, highlighting the dynamic and evolving world of professional women’s billiards.
written by: Jerry Stuckart photos courtesy of Kurt Kryszak Photography IG: @kkryszak44
