Cambodian Billiards Star Srong Pheavy Returns to Glory: 8th Championship After 511 Days

The Long-Awaited Comeback: Srong Pheavy's 8th Triumph

Did you know? After 511 days away from the top, Srong Pheavy, known as the 'Cambodian Express,' has once again claimed the LPBA throne! On July 6, 2025, at Goyang KINTEX PBA Stadium, she defeated Kim Bora 4-1 in the finals of the 2025-26 Hana Card PBA-LPBA Championship. Her journey back to the summit was filled with tension, resilience, and a dash of drama, as she overcame a series of fierce competitors, including the legendary Kim Ga-young, whose 9-tournament winning streak she ended in the semifinals.
Fans and commentators alike were on the edge of their seats, especially as Srong expressed her gratitude in heartfelt, albeit imperfect, Korean during the award ceremony. Her emotional return after more than a year and a half has reignited excitement in the Korean billiards scene.

Match Analysis: Breaking Down the Final

Let's break it down! The final was a showcase of skill, nerves, and strategy. Srong took the first set convincingly (11-2), but Kim Bora struck back in the second (3-11). The third and fourth sets were nail-biters, both ending 11-10 in Srong's favor, with the fifth set sealing her victory at 11-2. Throughout the tournament, Srong displayed remarkable consistency, precision, and mental fortitude, especially when facing high-pressure situations.
Her path to the title included victories over Jeong Ye-jin, Han Seul-gi, Sakai Ayako, and Kim Sang-ah. The semifinals against Kim Ga-young were particularly intense, as Srong halted the reigning champion's record streak, marking a symbolic shift in the LPBA landscape.

The Rise of Kim Bora: A New Challenger Emerges

Kim Bora, making her debut in an LPBA final, was the tournament's breakout star. Her journey to the championship match included a dramatic semifinal win over Choi Ji-min, showcasing her growth and determination. Although she fell short against Srong, Kim Bora's performance has earned her widespread respect and anticipation for her future in the sport.
Fans praised her composure and skill, with many predicting that this is just the beginning of a promising career. The final handshake and mutual respect between Srong and Kim Bora became an iconic moment, symbolizing the spirit of sportsmanship in Korean billiards.

Community Buzz: Korean Fans React

Curious about what Korean fans are saying? On Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21, reactions were electric! Positive comments celebrated Srong's perseverance and emotional victory, while others expressed admiration for Kim Bora's breakthrough. The sentiment ratio leaned about 7:3 in favor of positive feedback.
Representative comments included: 'Srong's comeback is inspiring—true champion spirit!', 'Kim Bora's rise is a breath of fresh air for the league,' and 'The semifinals against Kim Ga-young were legendary.' Some negative voices questioned the consistency of the league's top players, but most agreed the final was one for the history books.

Cultural Insight: Why Srong's Victory Matters

For international fans, understanding Srong Pheavy's journey is key to appreciating her impact. Born in Cambodia, Srong moved to Korea and became a symbol of multicultural success in Korean sports. Her story resonates with many, especially as she balances cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the pressures of elite competition.
Billiards in Korea is more than just a game—it's a social activity, a competitive sport, and a stage for personal stories. Srong's popularity extends beyond her skills; she represents hope, perseverance, and the growing diversity of Korean sports. Her emotional interviews and public gratitude have endeared her to fans across generations.

Fandom and Media: The Srong Effect

You might be surprised at how passionate Korean billiards fandom can be! Srong's matches regularly trend on social media, and her unique background has made her a favorite subject for blogs and YouTube channels. Recent blog posts on Naver and Tistory highlight her training routines, personal struggles, and community outreach.
Media coverage has focused on her mental resilience, with headlines like 'Srong Pheavy Returns to Glory' and 'The Queen of Comebacks.' Fans often share clips of her clutch shots and emotional celebrations, creating a vibrant online community that supports both her and the sport.

The Road Ahead: What's Next for Srong and the LPBA?

Looking forward, Srong's victory sets the stage for a thrilling 2025-26 season. With her 8th title, she now trails only Kim Ga-young in total LPBA championships. The rivalry between these two icons is expected to intensify, drawing even more attention to women's billiards in Korea.
Meanwhile, new talents like Kim Bora are rising fast, promising a dynamic and unpredictable season ahead. The LPBA's increasing international visibility, thanks in part to players like Srong, is attracting fans from across Asia and beyond. Stay tuned—Korean billiards is just getting started!