Korean Pride Prevails: Cho Jae-ho Defeats Çapark in Epic 5-Set Battle to Reach PBA Semifinals

The Last Korean Standing: Cho Jae-ho's Heroic Semifinal Advance

In a tournament dominated by foreign players, Cho Jae-ho emerged as the sole Korean representative in the semifinals of the Hana Card PBA Championship. The NH Nonghyup Card player delivered a masterclass performance against Turkish challenger Jan Çapark, winning 3-2 in a match that had Korean billiards fans on the edge of their seats. This victory represents more than just a tournament advancement – it's a statement of Korean billiards pride in an increasingly international field.

The match, held at the Goyang KINTEX PBA Stadium, showcased the very best of three-cushion billiards. Cho Jae-ho's journey to this point had been remarkable, especially considering his early exit in the season opener where he fell in the round of 128. His redemption story reached its climax in this quarterfinal battle, where he demonstrated the mental fortitude and technical brilliance that has made him one of Korea's most respected players.

Korean billiards communities erupted with excitement as Cho secured his semifinal spot. Online forums buzzed with comments like 'This is why we never give up on our veterans' and 'Cho Jae-ho showing the young guns how it's done.' The victory resonated deeply with fans who have watched foreign players increasingly dominate the PBA tour in recent seasons.

A Match for the Ages: Breaking Down the Epic 5-Set Battle

The quarterfinal clash between Cho Jae-ho and Jan Çapark will be remembered as one of the most dramatic matches in recent PBA history. The set scores of 6-15, 15-11, 15-6, 12-15, and 11-2 tell the story of a roller-coaster encounter that tested both players' mental resilience and technical abilities.

Çapark, making his first-ever PBA quarterfinal appearance, started strongly by taking the opening set 15-6. The Turkish player's aggressive style and precise cue ball control seemed to catch Cho off guard initially. However, the Korean veteran's experience began to show in the second set, where he bounced back with a convincing 15-11 victory. The third set saw Cho at his dominant best, overwhelming Çapark 15-6 with a display of shot-making that reminded everyone why he's considered one of the game's elite players.

The fourth set proved to be the turning point of the match. Çapark, facing elimination, produced some of his finest billiards to win 15-12 and force a deciding fifth set. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both players prepared for the ultimate test. In the final set, Cho's class shone through. Scoring 7 consecutive points in the 5th and 6th innings, he transformed a tight contest into an 11-2 rout, securing his place in the semifinals with authority.

The Foreign Challenge: International Players Dominate PBA Landscape

The 2025-26 PBA season has been marked by an unprecedented level of international competition. With only three Korean players – Cho Jae-ho, Kim Jun-tae, and Lee Sang-dae – making it to the quarterfinals, the tournament highlighted the growing global nature of professional billiards. The remaining five spots were claimed by foreign players, including defending champion David Martinez from Spain and rising stars like Eddy Leppens from Belgium.

This international influx has created mixed reactions within the Korean billiards community. While many appreciate the elevated level of competition and the global recognition it brings to the sport, others express concern about the potential decline of Korean dominance in a sport where the country has traditionally excelled. Online discussions reveal a complex sentiment: pride in the sport's international growth coupled with anxiety about maintaining Korean competitiveness.

The presence of players like Ruud Janssen (Lotte Rent-a-Car) and Semih Saygıner has elevated the technical standard of the PBA tour significantly. These world-class competitors bring different playing styles and strategic approaches that have forced Korean players to adapt and evolve their games. For international fans, this diversity makes the PBA tour one of the most exciting billiards competitions globally.

Rookie Sensations Fall Short: Kim Jun-tae and Tran Duc Minh's Quarterfinal Exit

The tournament's most compelling storyline involved two rookie sensations who captured the imagination of billiards fans worldwide. Kim Jun-tae from Harim and Vietnamese player Tran Duc Minh both reached the quarterfinals in their debut PBA season, creating what many called a 'rookie miracle.' However, their fairy-tale runs came to an end in the quarterfinals against more experienced opponents.

Kim Jun-tae faced the formidable Ruud Janssen (Lotte Rent-a-Car) and despite showing flashes of brilliance, fell 0-3 in straight sets. The young Korean's aggressive style and fearless approach had carried him through the early rounds, but Janssen's experience and tactical awareness proved decisive. Similarly, Tran Duc Minh's impressive run ended against Eddy Leppens in a thrilling 2-3 defeat that showcased the Vietnamese player's immense potential.

Korean billiards forums were filled with supportive messages for both rookies. Comments like 'They've shown us the future of billiards' and 'This is just the beginning for these young talents' dominated social media discussions. The rookies' performances have injected fresh energy into the sport and provided hope for the next generation of players. Their quarterfinal appearances mark them as players to watch in future tournaments.

Technical Brilliance: Analyzing Cho Jae-ho's Winning Formula

Cho Jae-ho's victory over Çapark was built on a foundation of technical excellence and strategic adaptability. His bank shot percentage of 17.9% this season demonstrates his willingness to attempt difficult shots when the situation demands it. Against Çapark, this aggressive approach paid dividends, particularly in the crucial moments of the deciding set.

The Korean veteran's cue ball control was exemplary throughout the match. His ability to maintain position while scoring consistently put constant pressure on his opponent. Video analysis of the match reveals Cho's superior understanding of table geometry and his capacity to execute complex three-cushion shots under pressure. His performance in the final set, where he scored 7 consecutive points, showcased the kind of sustained excellence that separates elite players from the rest.

Çapark, despite the loss, demonstrated why he's considered one of Turkey's most promising players. His first-ever PBA quarterfinal appearance exceeded expectations, and his aggressive style troubled Cho throughout the match. The Turkish player's ability to force a fifth set against such an experienced opponent suggests he'll be a force to reckon with in future tournaments. His performance has already elevated his status within the international billiards community.

Semifinal Showdown: What Lies Ahead for Korea's Last Hope

With his quarterfinal victory secured, Cho Jae-ho now faces Belgian player Eddy Leppens in the semifinals. Leppens, representing SK Rent-a-Car, advanced with his own dramatic 3-2 victory over Tran Duc Minh, demonstrating the kind of resilience that makes him a dangerous opponent. The Belgian's playing style, characterized by precise positioning and clinical finishing, presents a different challenge from the aggressive approach of Çapark.

The other semifinal features defending champion David Martinez against Ruud Janssen, setting up what promises to be a showcase of international billiards excellence. For Korean fans, Cho's semifinal appearance represents more than just individual success – it's a symbol of Korean billiards' enduring competitiveness on the world stage.

The pressure on Cho will be immense as he carries the hopes of Korean billiards fans into the semifinals. However, his experience in high-pressure situations and his recent form suggest he's well-equipped for the challenge. The semifinal match against Leppens will test every aspect of his game, from technical ability to mental fortitude. Korean billiards communities are already rallying behind their last representative, with social media campaigns and fan support reaching fever pitch as the tournament approaches its climax.