Kim Jun-tae (30), ranked 10th in the world and regarded as South Korea's 'next-generation ace' in three-cushion billiards, has officially joined the Professional Billiards Association (PBA) tour.
The PBA announced on July 7 that "Kim Jun-tae, ranked 10th in the world and 4th in Korea, has finally passed the priority registration for the PBA tour," adding that "Kim recently received notice of his acceptance and has completed his registration as a PBA player."
Kim Jun-tae, who has stood out in student competitions since high school, reached the finals for the first time at the World Cup in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, in 2023, capturing second place.
Last year, Kim Jun-tae first reached the top of the international stage at the Asian Carom Championship in three-cushion billiards and rose to the number one ranking in the world after finishing second at the Ho Chi Minh World Cup.
Kim Jun-tae is scheduled to compete against PBA powerhouses such as Jo Jae-ho (NH Nonghyup Card), Kang Dong-goo (SK Rent-a-Car), and Semi Seigner (Welcome Savings Bank) in the opening match of the 2025-26 season PBA-LPBA tour, set to begin in mid-June.
Ahead of his professional debut, Kim Jun-tae noted, "I have knocked on the door of professionalism for a new challenge. I look forward to competing against excellent players who are active in the PBA," stating, "I will prepare well for the opening match and do my best to show a great performance in my debut."
Meanwhile, the PBA completed the priority registration process and announced the successful candidates through the competition committee. Along with Kim Jun-tae, players such as Tran Duc Minh (ranked 20th in Vietnam), Turgay Olak (50th), and Seimen Ozbas (266th in Turkey) passed, as did Park Jung-hyun (ranked 2nd in Korea), one of the strongest amateur female players in Korea, and Nguyen Hoang Yen Ni (Vietnam) in LPBA.
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