World Pool-Billiard Association
 | |
| Sport | Pool |
|---|---|
| Category | Cue sports |
| Jurisdiction | Worldwide |
| Abbreviation | WPA |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Affiliation | World Confederation of Billiards Sports |
| President | Ishaun Singh |
| Official website | |
| wpapool | |
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) is the international governing body for pool (pocket billiards). It was formed in 1987, and was initially headed by a provisional board of directors consisting of representatives from Australia, Americas, Africa, and Europe. As of 2023, the WPA president is Ishaun Singh of South Africa. It is an associate of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), the international umbrella organization that encompasses the major cue sports.
History
In the late 1970s, Kazuo Fujima of Japan invited various European players to compete in the All Japan Championship. This led to cooperation with Europe, being the first time contacts between Europe and Asian associations had been made. However, most of the efforts were initiated by individuals, and progressed slowly. By the mid-80s, many European players, who had the European Pool Championship as their highest level of competition, have been aware of pool events in the United States and were dissatisfied with the development of the sport in the continent, and wanted to compete at a higher level.
In November 1987, at a European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) board meeting in Germany, the idea of a worldwide competition resurfaced. The EPBF board members used their own money to fund a group to create a logo, letterheads and communications with various pool organizations. Kazuo Fujima of Japan replied that Asia was interested in participating.
In May 1988, the group's general assembly was held in conjunction alongside the European Pool Championship in Stockholm, Sweden. The group formed a provisional board that consisted of Kazuo Fujima (Japan), Paul Gerni (USA), Jorgen Sandman (Sweden), and Horst Vondenhoff (Germany).[1]
In March 1990, the inaugural WPA World Nine-ball Championship was held in Bergheim, Germany. The playing field included 32 men and 16 women in separate divisions, and has since become an annual event.[1]
On March 3, 1990, the World Pool-Billiard Association was sanctioned by the general assembly as the international governing body for pool. The acronym WPA was selected so it would not conflict with the existing Women's Professional Billiard Association (WPBA).[1]
Membership in the WPA has grown since its inception. In 1991, Australia and New Zealand, under the umbrella of the Australasian Pool Association, became members. In 1999, the organizations associated with Latin America and the Caribbean became members, and in 2000, a substantial portion of the organizations from Africa joined.[1]
Currently sanctioned tournaments
- WPA World Nine-ball Championship
- WPA World Ten-ball Championship
- WPA World Eight-ball Championship
- WPA World Blackball Championship
- WPA World Artistic Pool Championship
Member confederations and countries
The WPA members are grouped by six continental/regional confederations, who in turn, consist of members from a country's national federation. The chart and table shows the WPA's members as of September 2022[update]:[2]
Board members
As of 2023[update], the WPA board consist of:[4]
- Ishaun Singh (South Africa), President
- Shane Tyree (North America), Vice President & Sports Director
- Javiera Rivera (South America), Board Member
- Melvin Chia (Malaysia), Board Member
- Stuart Rogers (Australia), Board Member
- Jorgen Sandman (Sweden), Board Member
- Kelly Fisher (Great Britain), Player Representative
See also
- List of professional sports leagues
- List of world eight-ball champions
- List of WPA World Nine-ball champions
Notes
- ^ The BCA is a single organization, without separate national US and Canadian federations. It pre-dates, and was a founding member of, the WPA.
References
- ^ a b c d "WPA History". WPA Pool. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "Continental Members". World Pool-Billiard Association: The Official Website for the World Governing Body of Pool. World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA). Retrieved 10 October 2017.
- ^ "Members of EPBF". EPBF.com. European Pocket Billiard Federation. 27 July 2020. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ "WPA Board". WPA Pool. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
External links
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