Yu Ram Cha Is the Queen of Carom
By DP Staff
Bucheon, Korea- Yu Ram Cha finally changed history with her win at this year’s 3rd Annual Queen of Carom. Cha had previously lost in the finals of last year’s event, and had lost in 9-Ball to Jeanette Lee in two consecutive finals of the 2008-2009 Empress Cup. She put those ghosts to rest this time around. The 3rd Annual Queen of Carom took place at La Festa Shopping Mall featuring Allison Fisher (ENG), Shanelle Loraine (GUAM), Zarah Delrosario (PHL), and Koreans Yu Ram Cha , Hyojeong Kim, and Jeanette Lee. The Dragon Promotions event is aired on XTM and XPORTS, leading Korean channels and sponsored by Takini Cloth, Predator Cues, Poison Cues, Vigma Balls, Ra Beauty Core, Whois.co.kr, La Festa, and Min Tables.
Cha finally changed history with her win at this year's 3rd Annual Queen of Carom. Cha had previously lost in the finals of last year
The six women were divided into two groups of three players each in a round robin, with the top player in each group entering the finals. The races were to 7 points. The favorite this year appeared to be reigining National Champion Hyojeong Kim of Korea. Kim had a first round scare with newbie Zarah Delrosario of PHL. Delrosario, with only 2 months of playing 3cushion, was entering her first 3-cushion match, and on TV in Korea of all places against a national title holder. Zarah stayed close in the match trailing by 1-2 points, but then gained the upper hand with some great billiards to reach the hill first at 6-5. But she missed the winning shot and gave Hyojeong Kim the chance to re-group and win the 7-6 thriller.
The lovely and sweet Zarah Delrosario of Philippines.
In another great highlight, 15x World Champion Allison Fisher was also making her debut playing in a 3-cushion event. She faced Shanelle Loraine, who had played in the previous two Queen of Caroms. Fisher had the skill and winning expereince while Loraine had the knowledge of playing more 3-cushion so it was a coin toss pick. Loraine brought out her 3-cushion A game and took the lead and never looked back in her 7-2 domination of Fisher.
Hyojeong Kim had a slightly easier time with Jeanette Lee, but not much. She lead the match but won 7-5 against the former champion of the event. This put her into the finals waiting for the outcome of Cha and Fisher.
Fisher re-grouped nicely as she came into her last match with Cha. The winner would advance to the finals. Cha took the lead, but Fisher stayed close until she trailed 6-3. Cha could not seem to put Allison away, and the Duchess of Doom was inching closer with every 3-cushion point until she reached a tied 6-6. Cha finally seized her chance and made the winning point, to the relief of her and her fans at a 7-6 escape.
The ladies of the Queen of Carom competition.
The finals pitted the heavy favorite Hyojeong Kim against Cha, Kim had the experience and skills of a seasoned 3cushion player, while Cha had the knowledge and experience of playing in high stakes and high media covered events. Cha seemed to have the upperhand in execution as a distrught Kim looked unable to control her emotions and game. Cha held control of the match and won the 7-4 finale.
Cha had sworn victory before the event when she dropped her finals game to Jeanette Lee at the Empress Cup. In her second attempt at the finals, she finally did it.
“I’m happy of course for the win, but actually I’m more relieved. Finally!” said Cha after the match.
Photos courtesy Dragon Promotions