Seo-ah roars after defeating the world’s strongest Kelly Fisher in the quarterfinals of the World Women’s 9-Ball Championships. Korea billiards federation
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. It is Seo-ah’s first time since Kim Ga-young, the ‘Queen of Billiards’, won the gold medal in 2012.
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. Although pushed to the loser’s bracket, Seo-ah continued to win and advanced to the round of 16. She defeated Yuki Hiraguchi (Japan) 9-7 and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Seo-ah’s quarterfinal opponent is Kelly Fisher (England), who is called ‘the world’s strongest’ in women’s pool. It is a legend to the extent that Kim Ga-young picks him as a respected player. However, she shed tears of emotion as she won 9 to 8 after a close match against Fischer, who holds the title of world champion in pocketball and snooker.
But did I use too much strength 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, by securing a bronze medal, he won a medal in this event as a Korean player 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.
