WPBA 2004 Tour to Debut in Delta Classic

Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino to Host Tour Opener

Tunica, MS – Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino will be the host site of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association’s “Delta Classic” Tournament.  The tournament, the opening event of the official WPBA 2004 tour, will begin Thursday, February 25, 2004 in a double elimination, “bracket-play” format featuring 64 of the world’s top professional women players.  The final rounds and tournament championship game will be played o­n Sunday, February 29, 2004. 

     The tournament is the opening of what will undoubtedly be an exciting and competitive 2004 tour as the “top 16” battle to unseat Allison Fisher whose brilliant play during throughout the 2003 tour earned her the top ranking for the year.  Karen Corr, the number two-ranked player and top money winner for the year is o­nly 85 points away from the top spot and is sure to be aggressive in her pursuit of Ms. Fisher.  Helena Thornfeldt, Jeanette Lee, Monica Webb and Vivian Villarreal round out the top six and their play in the final events of the 2003 tour was nothing short of exceptional.       The player to watch however may be Ewa Mataya Laurance, who just last week learned of her election to the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame.  The BCA Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals whose competitive skills and dedication have enriched the sport and industry of billiards.  Ms. Laurance was elected in the “Greatest Player” category and will be inducted o­n April 1, 2004.        Session times for the tournament are: Thursday, Friday and Saturday (February 25 - 28, 2004): Day -11am to 4:30 pm; Evening - 5:30 pm to 11:30 pm; Sunday, June 15: Semi-final #1: 1:00pm; Semi-final #2: 3:00pm; Championship: 5:00pm. Ticket prices are $10 General Admission and $30 VIP for each Thursday, Friday, and Saturday “all-day” sessions and $25 General Admission and $40 VIP for the semi-finals and championship rounds.  “All-Event” passes are available for $45 General Admission and $100 VIP.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Sam’s Town Casino Box office, by phone at 800-456-0711, o­n-line at www.samstowntunica.com., or through any Ticketmaster location or by calling (901) 525-1515.  For more information o­n dates, times, and particulars of the Delta Classic event or Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino please contact Chris Wade, Director of Marketing, at (662) 363-0702.

     Sam's Town Hotel & Casino prides itself as the “It’s More Fun Here” entertainment destination featuring world-class golf at the River Bend Links golf course, deliciously diverse dining opportunities such as Twain's Fine Dining and Corky's BBQ Buffet, and an entrée of entertainment such as rock-n-roll performers, comedians and live-boxing. With more than 1,000 guest rooms and suites, a full-service RV Park and two floors of slots and table games - including blackjack and craps to Tunica's o­nly live keno and poker rooms - Sam's Town offers something for everyone.  For more information, visit www.samstowntunica.com.

          The WPBA is the oldest professional player’s organization for billiards.  The WPBA governs all aspects of female professional activity; represents the media and participation rights of professional and semi-pro players; governs rules, regulations, and conduct, ethics and equipment specifications for professional sanctioned tournaments; and, develops, produces and sanctions tournaments.

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