WBPA Feature: Jeanette Lee

The American Poolplayer magazine recently interviewed "The Black Widow" Jeanette Lee about winning her Gold Medal last August at the World Games in Akita, Japan. Last year marked the debut of "cue sports" in the World Games competition, and Lee joined fellow WPBA star, Vivian Villarreal, in representing the United States in the ladies 9-Ball competition. Lee defeated No. 1 ranked Karen Corr, representing Great Britain, 9-3 in the finals.

APA: Jeanette, as you're well aware, last year marked the debut of "cue sports" at the World Games. Overall, how do you think it was received?

Lee: "Unbelievably well! We were treated like royalty.  Everyone was so excited, and they were all very accommodating as well."

APA: As one of the pro players that travels abroad quite a bit, do you think that reflects the international community's perception of "cue sports?"

Lee: "Absolutely.  Whenever you're presenting an event with Olympic ties, you help add a lot of support and credibility to it, and the sport overall.  Our sport is growing so quickly, both here in the U.S., and worldwide.  It just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I just returned from the Philippines for an exhibition with Efren Reyes, and they acted like we were Michael Jordan over there. I took a trip to Colombia not long ago, and people were trying to climb doors to get in!"

APA: Obviously you put a lot of pressure on yourself in all of your matches, did you feel any added pressure given the significance of the World Games?

Lee: "I really did.  In my career, the World Championship is the only title that I haven't won and with this being the first billiard competition in the World Games, the international competition made it very special. We've got probably the best talent in the world on the WPBA tour, but in event like this you take the chance of playing some of the best unknown talent from around the world."

APA: As arguably the most visible/popular professional pool player in the world, do you feel it was an added benefit to the billiard community, in terms of exposure, for you to win the Gold Medal?

Lee: "I was honestly a little disappointed with the outside-inside media coverage. It's always a quest to bring new eyes to the sport, so we had hoped for a lot of attention.  I think the industry media did an excellent job of covering the event, but I don't think there's ever an end to marketing."

APA: Going into the finals against Karen, and knowing the success that she's had on the WPBA Tour, how did you approach the match?

Lee: "With a lot of confidence; the same way I approach every match-it helps me win. You can't be intimidated.  I look forward to playing the toughest competition.  Karen is very disciplined and has an excellent shot-making ability."

APA: Again, given her success this year, how big of a confidence boost is it for you to defeat Karen on such an important international stage?

Lee: I'd be happy to win regardless, but Karen is No. 1 and you never want to win a tournament without beating the top competition. Who better to beat the No. 1 player."

APA: I'm sure when you were being presented your medal with an American flag draped around you, you must have felt an incredible sense of pride.  Looking back now, especially after the tragic events of Sept. 11, does it give you a renewed sense of pride to know you represented your country so proudly?

Lee: Definitely, especially now during this rough time. With everyone so patriotic, it's really added to my sense of pride. In tough times, we can use anything to help."