Overview

Kim Kyung-roul (Korean: 김경률) was a South Korean professional carom billiards player, born 23 February 1980. He gained international recognition after winning a stage of the 2010 Three-Cushion World Cup and was active on the world circuit in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His name is frequently rendered in Korean-language sources; see the Korean entry for further local details: 김경률.

Three-cushion billiards

Three-cushion billiards is a form of carom billiards played on a pocketless table where the objective is to carom the cue ball off both object balls with the requirement to contact the rail cushions at least three times before the final contact. It is a discipline that rewards precision, long-range control, and tactical shot-making. Major international competitions include the World Cup series and the World Championship, events that attract top players from Europe, Asia and the Americas. For information on the tournament series he won, see the event series: Three-Cushion World Cup.

Career and style

Kim competed for South Korea in multiple international events and was known among peers for steady positional play and careful planning of multi-rail shots. His victory in the 2010 World Cup stage marked a career high and brought attention to South Korean carom players on the global stage. He participated in professional circuits where consistency, safety play and high-level three-cushion technique determine success.

Notable achievements

  • Winner of a stage of the 2010 Three-Cushion World Cup.
  • Regular competitor on international three-cushion circuits during his career.

Death and legacy

Kim lived in Ilsan, South Korea. On 22 February 2015 he died after falling from his apartment window; he was 34 years old. Reports at the time described the circumstances as a fall from the residence, and coverage noted the loss felt by the billiards community. His sudden death prompted tributes from fellow players and fans, and he is remembered for his contributions to South Korean carom billiards and for bringing international attention to players from his country.

Although his career was relatively brief at the highest levels, Kim Kyung-roul's achievements remain part of the recent history of three-cushion competition and are cited when discussing South Korea's presence in the sport.