(C) Jeong Su-bin (26, NH Nonghyup Card)
GOYANG, South Korea — Jeong Su-bin (26, NH Nonghyup Card), a rapidly rising star in women's professional billiards (LPBA), has once again showcased her 'Queen Killer' potential by defeating the legendary 'Queen of Billiards,' Kim Ga-young (42, Hana Card). This victory, achieved through a thrilling tie-breaker, secured Jeong's spot in the Round of 16 at the 7th Tour 'High1 Resort LPBA Championship' for the 2025–2026 season. This marks the second time Jeong has conquered the veteran champion, having previously defeated Kim in the Round of 64 during the 2nd Tour last season.
A self-proclaimed 'lazy perfectionist,' Jeong defines her seemingly contradictory nature by emphasizing the importance of rest as a means to maximize her desire to return to the cue. Once back in the training room, she often practices for over five hours until she achieves the satisfying shot she seeks. This intense dedication is the secret behind her rapid ascent: a former college student who knew virtually nothing about billiards entered the professional circuit just a year and a half after picking up a cue.
Rapid Ascent and Clutch Performance
Jeong's latest triumph over Kim Ga-young on November 5th was a grueling 4-3 victory settled in a decisive shootout. Her previous win was equally dramatic, a come-from-behind 25-23 victory in a single-set match where she recovered from a 12-23 deficit by logging a seven-point high run in the 15th inning, followed by six more in the 16th. Reflecting on that win, which propelled her to the semifinals, her best-ever personal record, Jeong humbly remarked that luck seemed to be on her side, fueled by a desire to play respectably in front of a large audience.
Statistically, Jeong is no longer just a prospect. She is proving her star power, currently ranking 3rd in the season's average category with 1.025, trailing only Kim Ga-young (1.158) and the 'Cambodian Express' Sruong Pheavy (1.039, Woori Financial Capital).
The Allure of Precision and Mental Fortitude
Jeong first encountered billiards in 2019 while working a part-time job at a pool hall for a friend. Two years later, she began playing seriously. She recalls knowing nothing of carom or pocket billiards, not even how to control ball thickness, yet the game's inherent fun kept her engrossed.
For Jeong, the profound charm of billiards lies in its delicacy. "A slight change in posture or a minimal shift in the hitting point up or down completely alters the spin applied to the ball," she explains. "The thrill of scoring exactly as you intended is immense."
Her commitment was absolute. After informing her parents of her decision to turn pro, the Statistics major at Sookmyung Women's University, who had once aimed for a career in finance, focused intensely on her new path. She spent over eight hours a day at the pool hall, excluding meal and class times, often walking home in the dark. Her rigorous training led to her LPBA debut as a wildcard in the 2022-2023 season and her subsequent selection by NH Nonghyup Card in the May 2024 team draft, fulfilling her goal of joining a top-tier financial group, albeit in a different capacity.
The Ambition of a Champion
Jeong cites her height (171cm) as a significant advantage, as it minimizes the need for an extension cue, helping her maintain consistent weight and thickness in her shots. Her ability to stay composed, demonstrated in clutch moments against Kim Ga-young, is another key weapon. She attributes her composure to an attitude of acceptance toward results. "I always repeat three phrases before a match, one of which is 'Even if I lose, truly congratulate the opponent.' The other two are trade secrets," she states.
While the pressure of competition as a professional can occasionally lead to anxiety, the growing number of sponsor patches on her uniform serves as a reminder to refocus her efforts. Today, she faces her teammate Hwang Min-ji (24) for a spot in the quarter-finals. Looking to surpass her personal best of a semi-final appearance, Jeong's sights are set higher for the current season.
"My goal this year is to make it to the finals by improving on my weaknesses," she stated. "Ten years from now, I hope to be a top-tier player who wins championships as easily as eating a meal."
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