Ankara World Cup of 2024

Ankara, June 15th, 2024.

It was an eight-year wait, but worth it. Jung Han Heo from South Korea, one of the most stylish 3-cushion players on the circuit, followed his 2016 El Gouna win with a victory in Ankara in 2024, where he beat Phuong Vinh Bao from Vietnam in the final: 50 – 31 in 26/25.  

The experienced Heo, known for his marvellous speed control and delicate solutions, struggled for years to keep his nerves under control. He worked on it, and the biggest reward yet came this Saturday in Ankara. If, as we should, we count Sang Lee as an American, Jung Han Heo is only the second Korean player (after Haeng Jik Kim) to win more than one World Cup. 

The two semifinals were rather comparable: one player who can’t get out of the blocks, one player scoring 4’s and 5’s with regularity. Martin Horn couldn’t recover from a bad start against Heo, and Sidhom never found his rhythm against Bao. They will have to settle for the combination of pride and regret that is a bronze medal.  

Heo outscored Bao all match long, without any monster runs. The young world champion of 2023 tried hard but got kissed out too many times. His play during the entire event was impressive though: 2.090 general average. Only Tasdemir did better.  

There were no Europeans in the final, no Turks. But the venue was filled and the Turkish fans had plenty of enthusiasm for the Asian players. 3-cushion is a global sport, and it’s very much alive and vibrant. 

The high run in Ankara was made by Bao: 17. 

The best match was played by Heo: 40 in 12. 

The best general average was played by Tasdemir: 2.102. 

The main draw average for the event was 1.559. 

The World Cup cycle will continue in Porto, from 7-13 July. 

UMB.