Women's Pro Billiard Tour Inducts New Hall of Famers

The Women's Professional Billiard Association inducted two players in the "Greatest Player" category at its annual award banquet at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The Hall of Fame committee, made up of existing WPBA Hall of Fame members Belinda Campos Calhoun, Vicki Paski and Shari Stauch, submitted candidates to be voted on by the association membership in October. The results were overwhelmingly in favor of Ewa Mataya Laurance and Loree Jon Hasson. Fellow Hall of Famers Shari Stauch and Vicki Paski inducted the two at the WPBA annual award banquet.

Ewa Mataya Laurance is one of the most visible superstars in the history of pocket billiards. Known as The Striking Viking, she took the billiard world by storm when she moved to the US from her native Sweden at age 17. Ewa is the reigning International and World Cup Trick Shot Champion, holds multiple World and US Open 9-ball titles, has won the Swedish, European and WPBA National Championships and is a two-time Player of the Year. Former # 1 ranked player in the world, Ewa has been named WPBA Sportsperson of the Year, BBIA Industry Service Award inductee, and in 2004 was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. Ewa made an historic appearance on the cover of the New York Times Magazine and has been featured in numerous national publications, including People Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Glamour, Golf for Women and Cigar Aficionado. Ewa is also a frequent guest on television shows such as Late Night with David Letterman, The Today Show, The Early Show, Current Affair, LIVE with Regis and Kelly, Entertainment Tonight and The Best Damned Sports Show, Period.

When not competing, Ewa serves as an ESPN Color Commentator. She also co-hosted GSN's popular game show, "Ball Breakers." Ewa serves on the Board of Trustees of the Billiard Education Foundation and the South Carolina chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and is a columnist for Pool & Billiard Magazine. She is a frequent participant at various celebrity golf tournaments around the country. On tour, Ewa is sponsored by Brunswick Billiards. She is married to fellow ESPN commentator/ actor Mitch Laurance, has a daughter, Nacole and son-in-law Toby. For more info, visit StrikingViking.com

Loree Jon Hasson began playing pool at age four, quickly attracting worldwide attention. She performed her first billiard exhibition at age seven for the Children's Heart Fund Association, with the legendary Minnesota Fats. She won her first World Championship at age 15, a feat recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records as the youngest pocket billiard champion ever. Today, Loree Jon holds over fifty major titles, including eight World, three US Open, and three WPBA National Championships. She was selected as Player of the Year on five separate occasions.

In 2002, she was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame. Loree Jon has appeared on Good Morning America, The Current Affair, Good Morning N.Y. and L.A., Entertainment Tonight, The Today Show, Evening Magazine, CBS This Morning, ABC's Wide World of Sports, Late Night with David Letterman, Day and Date, Live! With Regis, One Life To Live, Chevy Chase Show, That's Incredible, Pat Sajak Show, Studio See, CNN Sports Show, ESPN Sports, Kids Are People Too, Big Blue Marble, Charlie Rose Show, Cold Pizza (ESPN), Best Damn Sports Show Period, CBS Sports Spectacular, USA Network, and was selected in 1995 as one of Esquire magazine's "Women We Love Most."

Loree Jon is an instruction columnist for Pool & Billiard Magazine, and has three children; Jonathan, Jessica & Mathew. She was married in October to Dave Hasson. For more info, visit LoreeJon.com