BCA to Send Five Players to 2008 WPA Women's 9 Ball Championships

Jeanette Lee

Jeanette Lee, holder of many titles including the 2001 World Games Gold Medal, is the one of the wily veterans of the group, having represented the U.S. in the World Championships numerous times already. She considers her efforts to introduce newcomers to the sport through ESPN and other media outlets as one of her greatest accomplishments in the sport of Billiards. Jeanette is looking forward to reconnecting with the fans in Taipei that she hasn’t seen in years, “They really love pool and you can feel their excitement”.

Belinda Calhoun is another veteran of the WPBA Tour and a former World Straight Pool Champion. Her previous World Pool Championships experience combined with diligent preparation and professionalism make her an ideal player to represent the United States. Belinda would most like to see the view from atop the 1st place podium at the event! Outside of the sport, she focuses on charity work with organizations such as the Feed the Children Foundation.

Kim White is returning to the World Championships due to her outstanding performance in last year’s event, having finished in 5th place. Kim, a former WPBA Board President, was born, raised and still resides in Houston, TX. She feels being a consistent top 16 contender on the WPBA Tour important to her success. Kim turned pro in 2002, and her advice to others is “always do what you are afraid to do”.

Anna Kostanian is the youngest of the U.S. Competitors at age 20. Nicknamed the Piranha, this will be Anna’s first foray into International competition. She lives in New Mexico and turned pro in 2006. “I have been playing for almost 10 years and still have so much to learn about strategy, angles and power. The game is really won or lost in the details.”

Liz Ford, another first timer to the World Championships, lives with her husband in New York. She’s also an accomplished figure skater. Liz’s philosophy of pool carries into day-to-day life, “Pool’s ups and downs are a lot easier to take if your primary goal is enjoying the game.”

Many thanks are owed to the Billiard Congress of America for their continued support of Women’s Billiards in North America. The WPBA Board, WPBA Membership and all players across America wish our competitors the best of luck!