Seo-ah Seo (22, Jeonnam Billiards Federation), the star of billiards and women’s pocketball, became the first Korean player to win a world championship medal in 11 years.
On the 23rd (Korean time), Seo-ah suffered a disappointing defeat in the semifinals against Chow Chieyu, a strong player from Taiwan, at the World Women’s 9-Ball Championships held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA. She ended the tournament in a tie for third as the set score was 7 to 9.
It is the first time in 11 years that a Korean athlete has won a medal at this event. This is the first time ‘billiard queen’ Ga-Young Kim has stood up since her 2012 gold medal pick-up.
Originally, Seo-ah suffered a 3-7 loss to Chow Chieyu in the first round of the winner’s bracket on the first day of the tournament, which was held from the 19th. She was pushed to the loser’s group, but after standing up, she won and advanced to the round of 16. She defeated Yuki Hiraguchi (Japan) 9 to 7 and she reached the quarterfinals. 스포츠토토
Seo-ah’s quarterfinal opponent is Kelly Fisher (England), who is called ‘the world’s strongest’ in women’s pool. She is a legend to the extent that Kim Ga-young considers her a respected player. However, she shed tears of emotion as she won 9 to 8 after a close match against Fischer, who held the title of world champion in pocketball and snooker.
She just wondered if she worked too hard in the quarterfinals. Seo-Ah played another close match with Chou Chieyu, whom she met again, in the quarterfinals, but lost with a set score of 7 to 9 due to the opponent’s strategic defense and meticulous attack power. However, she secured a bronze medal, becoming the first Korean athlete to win a medal at the event in 11 years.
After the game, Seo-ah said through the Korea Billiards Federation, “I am still young and I think I will do better in the future.” He added, “I feel very good because I feel like I have grown a step through this competition.”
Jin Hye-joo (26, Gwangju Billiards Federation), who also participated in the national team, also lost 2-9 in the quarter-finals with Chow Chie-yu, finishing the tournament in a tie for 5th place. With Chow Chieyu at the top of the tournament, the Korean team will return to Korea at dawn on the 25th.