"I was so happy I could cry," Jo Myeong-woo shares his thoughts after winning the title following a fierce battle with the "Four Heavenly Kings" of the sport... His next goal is the "2030 Doha Asian Games"

*This content was translated by AI.

"I felt so happy that I could cry."

He proved himself to be the undisputed world's strongest player. Korean 3-cushion national team player Jo Myeong-woo (28, Seoul City Hall) recalled the thrilling moment of becoming the first Asian player to win the 3rd-cushion World Cup for the fifth time.

On the afternoon of the 15th, after winning the 2026 Ankara World 3-Cushion Billiards Cup, Jo Myeong-woo returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport and shared his thoughts, saying, "I am truly happy to have won." He added, "This was my first victory at the Ankara World Cup, and achieving this valuable result as my fifth career World Cup title makes it even more meaningful."

In the final held on the 14th in Ankara, Turkey, Jo Myeong-woo defeated Dick Jaspers (Netherlands), widely known as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings" of world 3-cushion billiards, with a score of 50-49 after a grueling 21-inning match to claim the top spot. This victory is significant not only as a personal record but also as a moment where national team player Jo Myeong-woo, within the resurged Korean national billiards team system after 16 years, impressed the world stage with the competitiveness of Korean carom 3-cushion billiards.

Reflecting on his victory as a national team player, Jo Myeong-woo said, "I approached the competition with a sense of duty as a national team player." He added, "It was a meaningful moment to be able to let the world know that South Korea is a powerhouse in carom 3-cushion billiards."

Jaspers, his final opponent, is a world-class player whom Jo Myeong-woo has struggled against on several occasions. Jo had previously lost to Jaspers in the 2024 Portugal World Cup final and the Seoul World Cup semi-finals. However, in this Ankara final, he secured a meaningful victory with a one-point margin, maintaining his focus until the very end.

Jo Myeong-woo remarked, "I thought the match would not be easy since my opponent was Jaspers. He is an experienced and strong player, so I could not afford to let my guard down until the end." He continued, "Even after making a high run of 20 points, the score difference did not widen significantly, which left me flustered at times. However, by not giving up and staying focused until the end, I believe a good opportunity came at the last moment." The most dramatic moment occurred when the score was tied at 49-49. Jo Myeong-woo recalled, "It felt like an opportunity given by heaven came to me, and I am truly grateful. I am grateful just for being able to seize that opportunity. At the moment when only one point remained, I felt so happy that I could cry."

Looking ahead, Jo Myeong-woo mentioned the 2030 Doha Asian Games as his next goal. He stated, "There is still plenty of time until the 2030 Doha Asian Games, but I want to prepare well from now on and show a good performance." He added, "I will do my best to continue proving the competitiveness of South Korean billiards on the international stage."

Finally, Jo Myeong-woo extended his winning spirit to the South Korean national football team. He said, "Just as I did not give up until the end in this tournament and achieved a good result, I hope the South Korean national football team will also do their best until the end and show a great match." He concluded by saying, "I will cheer for them together with the people."

The championship trophy Jo Myeong-woo lifted in Ankara was not just a personal glory but a symbolic result showing that South Korean 3-cushion billiards has secured its place among the world's elite. After returning to Korea, Jo Myeong-woo is scheduled to participate in the 2026 Namwon National Billiards Championship, to be held from the 23rd to the 28th in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do.

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*This content was translated by AI.