Billiards: Korean prodigy wins, after nearly losing to student in semi-final

July 16 is the final day of the 3-cushion carom billiards event, the 2025 Korean National Championship. The player who received great attention from the world billiards fans, Cho Myung-woo, also competed and reached the final match of the tournament.

The player dubbed the "prodigy" of Korean billiards convincingly won the national championship. Cho Myung-woo's opponent in the final match of the 3-cushion carom billiards of the 2025 Korean National Championship was Jang Sung-won. The reigning world champion continuously launched a series of regular points, thereby winning with a score difference of 50-37, after 25 turns. Cho Myung-woo scored an average of 2 points/turn.

Cho Myung-woo is in great form. In less than half a month, the 1998-born player has won two championships. Before winning the national championship, the 27-year-old player won the most recent World Cup billiards tournament in Porto (Portugal), which ended on July 5.

Sweating in front of 15 year old player

Notably, before winning the final and being crowned the 2025 Korean National Championship, Cho Myung-woo almost lost in the semi-finals. It is worth mentioning that Cho Myung-woo's opponent in the semi-finals was just a 15-year-old boy named Kim Hyun-woo, who was studying in middle school.

PHOTO: SOOP

Kim Hyun-woo, with his baby face, created an even match, making the reigning world champion of 3-cushion carom billiards Cho Myung-woo sweat profusely. In the 32nd round, Kim Hyun-woo was very close to victory, leading his opponent 48-46.

However, Cho Myung-woo, with a little luck and the spirit of a world-class player, scored a series of 4 points, coming back to win a thrilling 50-48 victory over Kim Hyun-woo.

During the remaining time of 2025, Cho Myung-woo will conquer 5 more major tournaments, including: World Games, 3 World Cup billiards stages and World Championship in Belgium.