'턱시도' 벗는 PBA프로당구리그... 다음주 1부리그 개최
The South Korean Professional Billiards Association's first league tour is set to present a new paradigm of the game.
Starting next monday, the PBA tour is looked to bring greater excitement to the table.
Kan Hyeong-woo provides a glimse of what to expect.
Billiards is getting a makeover in South Korea.
Ahead of the first league tour of South Korea's Professional Billiards Association on June 3rd, new rules have been announced to spice up the game.
In the past, a typical billiards game was played until one player reached 40 points,... but now the league will see players compete in best-of-five games. The first 4 games will be played to 15 points,... while the fifth game will be played to 11 points.
For the final, competitors will play best-of-seven.
Globally renowned players are participating in the PBA tour,... namely South Korea's Kang Dong-koong and Belgium's Frederic Caudron.
"Now that I've truly become a professional billiards player, I will do my best to improve my game and show it to the fans."
Another change to the rules involves the initial round of 128 for men and 64 for women. After being divided into groups of four, players will start with 99 points each. If they score, not only does it add to their total but takes away from the other three competitors' scores in their group. The top two from each group moves onto the next round.
The PBA also wants to move away from the formal uniform of tuxedos and bow ties and has instead introduced more casual attire such as shirts with a collar and pants.
Cheerleaders will also be introduced to add excitement,... as well as electronic score boards to better engage fans.
With almost 200 players from 14 countries competing for the total prize of 236,000 U.S. dollars, the PBA is hoping to give new life to the sport and spread awareness of Korean billiards culture further afield.
Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News
