Elite Korean cast vies in world pool

MANILA, Philippines - A strong group of Korean women, led by rising pool star Yu Ram Cha, is coming to the country to compete in the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship slated on June 2-6 at the SM City North Edsa in Quezon City.

The 21-year-old Cha is only playing professional billiards for one year but has made strong impact, vaulting from nowhere to No. 5 rank in the women’s circuit.

Known as the “Little Lightning”, Cha won the Billiards Digest Breakthrough Player of the Year and also the Women’s Pro Tour Most Improved Player.

But perhaps her greatest accomplishment happened last week in Las Vegas when she defeated USA men’s No. 1 and US Open Champion Shane Van Boening in a stunning comeback during the Predator International 10-Ball Championship.

“As objectively as I can say, I’d pick her as one of the top five favorites to win the event. 9-Ball is quickly fading because 10-Ball takes more skill and power, which favors Yu Ram’s talented all around game. She is definitely the hot hand out of the women right now,” said US Pro Charlie Williams, who also coaches and mentors Cha.

Besides Cha, Korea will also be led by current world No. 2 Ga Young Kim, a veteran pro player with titles including the US Open and the World 9-Ball Championship.

The Korean contingent also has a great supporting cast including Yun Mi Lim who finished fifth at the World 9-Ball Championship, Eun Ji Park, Korea Rookie of the Year, and Ji Won Hyun who has been a professional in Taiwan for years.

The Women’s World 10-Ball Championship is considered as the biggest sporting event for women in the Philippines this year.

The event, which will run under the theme “Billiards, the sport of the Philippines, the sport of the people” is organized by Dragon Promotions in cooperation with JBETpoker.net, ABS-CBN, SM Mall North Edsa, Magic 89.9, Predator Cues, The Philippine Star, Bugsy Promotions, recognized by the BMPAP and BSCP and sanctioned by the World Pool and Billiard Association.

It will gather 48 of top lady cue artist from around the world, who will vie for the prestigious title and a lion’s share of the $75,000 total pot at stake.

Open qualifiers for the event will be held May 31 and June 1 at Paeng’s Skybowl on 4th Floor at Robinsons Galleria Mall connected to the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manila. The winners will join the main event at SM Mall North Edsa June 2-6,2009. All players are welcomed to join to try to qualify for the event. There will be three qualifiers over the two days with six winners entered into the main 48 women field. For more info email [email protected].