Goyang, South Korea — In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Sroung Pheavy of Cambodia (Woori Financial Capital) secured her second consecutive LPBA title, defeating rival Kim Min-ah (NH Nonghyup Card) in a decisive 4-1 victory. The win marks Sroung's ninth career championship and a remarkable comeback after a trophy-less season last year, solidifying her status as one of the tour's premier players.
The final, held at the PBA Stadium in Kintex, was the culmination of the 2025-26 season’s third tour, the Olbarun Saenghwal Card NH Nonghyup Card PBA-LPBA Charity Championship. Sroung's performance was not only masterful but also historically fast, with the match concluding in just 79 minutes. This time ranks as the second-shortest LPBA final ever, a testament to her swift and aggressive play style.
Sroung's journey to the championship was paved with a narrative of redemption. This victory over Kim Min-ah was particularly significant, as Sroung had previously lost to her in both of their two prior final encounters. This time, however, Sroung set the tone early, taking the first set with a commanding 11-3 lead. Although Kim Min-ah fought back to win the second set, Sroung quickly regained control. Her high-run scoring streaks in the third and fourth sets proved insurmountable for Kim, and Sroung sealed the victory in the fifth set with a blistering high run of 7 points.
The victory not only adds another trophy to Sroung's collection but also significantly boosts her financial standing and charitable impact. The prize money of 40 million won elevates her total career earnings to 362.82 million won. Furthermore, in a heartwarming gesture, a donation of 10 million won worth of rice will be made in her name, fulfilling a key aspect of the tournament's charity mission.
Sroung attributed her success to a newfound mental toughness. "In the past, I would get stressed when games weren't going well," she stated after the match. "But this time, I fought until the very end and never gave up, which led to this good result. Billiards is a mental battle, and I'm proud of how I overcame it."
The tournament also recognized other exceptional performances. The "Welcome Top Ranking" award, given for the highest average score in a single match, went to Lee Ji-eun, who achieved an impressive average of 1.923 during the PQ round.
With the LPBA final now concluded, all eyes turn to the men's side of the tournament. The PBA semifinals and final are scheduled for the following day. The semifinals feature two highly anticipated matchups: Semi Sayginer of Turkey against Yusuke Mori of Japan, and Eom Sang-pil facing off against Spain's Daniel Sanchez. The winners will then compete in the final, both matches promising high-stakes drama and top-tier billiards action.
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