Kim Ga-young (Hana Card), the "Empress of Billiards," has established herself as the "Queen of Awards Ceremonies."
Kim took the stage six times at the Hana Card PBA Golden Cue Awards 2026, hosted by the Professional Billiards Association (PBA) at Grand Walkerhill in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, on the 17th, receiving rewards for her stellar season. She claimed six titles: the prestigious Grand Prize, Xebisco Prize Money Leader, Best Average Award, Bank Shot Award, Best Doubles Award, and Team League Grand Prize. She also set a historic record as the first player—male or female—to win the Grand Prize for three consecutive years.
Kim had the best season of her career. With four victories, she accumulated 229.5 million won in prize money and ranked first in average with 1.139, a comprehensive measure of performance. She recorded 200 successful bank shots—the most in the women's division—and achieved the highest win rate in doubles with partner Ayako Sakai of Japan. On the 15th, she completed an unprecedented three-peat at the World Championship, the season-ending "champion of champions" tournament. In January, she became the first billiards player to receive the Grand Prize at the 37th Yungok Women's Sports Awards.
"It was a gratifying season with proud achievements," Kim said. "I will go back to the basics and stay true to fundamentals." She added, "This is my 30th year as a player. I had long hoped billiards would be recognized as a sport, and receiving the Yungok Award made this year meaningful. I will strive not only for my own glory but for the development of Korean billiards."
Daniel Sanchez (Spain, Welcome Savings Bank) won the men's Grand Prize. With two victories this season, Sanchez claimed four titles: Prize Money Leader (324.5 million won), Bank Shot Award (254), and Sportsmanship Award.
