Two Queens, One Path: Sruong Pheavy Rises as Kim Da-hee Falls in Huons LPBA Quarterfinals

A Night of Contrasts in Goyang

Fans at Goyang’s Kintex Stadium could feel the tension crackle on October 24 as Cambodia’s pride, Sruong Pheavy, walked to the table. Only minutes earlier, another legend, Kim Ga-young, had suffered a shocking defeat to Min-joo Baek, opening the door for a new queen to rise. Pheavy didn’t miss the chance. Against high-pressure opponent Kim Da-hee, she delivered a flawless 3–0 performance — no long high runs, just relentless precision and poise. Her average of 1.737 wasn’t record-breaking, but every stroke landed with intent, leaving fans gasping in admiration. Could this be the tour that cements Pheavy’s dominance now that Kim Ga-young is gone?

The Clash of Nerves and New Blood

While Pheavy’s victory looked calm and deliberate, her next opponent — the emerging Hwang Min-ji — fought her way through chaos. Hwang’s 3–1 win over Sim Ji-yu was a showcase of grit: a 20-inning marathon followed by a tight fourth set where she closed 11–5 to seal the deal. Hwang, barely in her early twenties and the youngest member of NH Nonghyup Card, has been called the tour’s 'silent fighter' on Korean fan boards like DC Inside and FM Korea. Many fans praised her focus under pressure, while others doubted if she could endure Pheavy’s rhythm-heavy play. The debate has split the billiards community in half — experience versus momentum — as their first-ever encounter looms.

The Making of a Cultural Icon

Sruong Pheavy isn’t just a player — she’s a phenomenon. Born in Cambodia and now representing Korea’s Woori Financial Capital, Pheavy has bridged two billiards nations. Headlines from Asia News and PBA Tour site describe her as Cambodia’s national treasure and a hero of cross-border sports success. After her LPBA title win last summer, she wrote on social media that she fought 'for the pride of Cambodian people.' Korean fans adore her grace; Cambodian fans see her as a living legend. According to Naver blogs, her calm demeanor and respectful interviews have turned her into a role model for women athletes in Southeast Asia. Watching her at Kintex feels like witnessing history — a bridge between worlds, one carom at a time.

Fans, Passion, and Predictions

Online communities exploded after her 3–0 sweep. On PGR21, 72% of fan poll participants predicted Pheavy would advance to the finals, noting her composure and precise cue control. However, on Daum Café boards, some veteran fans warned that Hwang Min-ji’s endurance could crack that armor. 'Min-ji’s game is like running into a wall,' one fan wrote. 'She can absorb pressure endlessly.' Still, most agree this quarterfinal is one of the most anticipated matches of the season, especially with Kim Ga-young out of the way. Beyond rankings and stats, it symbolizes a generational pivot — from established royalty to rising power. As the Kintex lights dim and the green felt glows under the cameras, one question echoes in every fan’s mind: will this be the dawn of the Pheavy era?