The PBA professional billiards team league's second round gets underway Wednesday in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.
In the first round held in July, Woori Financial Capital claimed the title and became the first team to secure a postseason berth. On the final day of the first round, Woori Financial Capital routed Harim — its closest rival in the standings — 4-0 in set score to lock up a postseason spot for the third consecutive season.
In the second round, Harim, which fell short of the title in the first round, and defending champion Hana Card will both be gunning for the trophy. Hana Card in particular had opened the first round with five straight wins to hold a firm grip on first place, only to drop three consecutive matches late in the round and fall out of title contention.
Teams that struggled in the first round are also looking to bounce back. Welcome Savings Bank, which finished second in last season's regular-season standings, managed only an eighth-place finish in the first round with a 3-6 record and 11 points. Hi One Resort, which had been considered a title contender after signing Kang Ji-eun and Eddie Leppens of Belgium ahead of this season, fared even worse, finishing ninth at 2-7 with 7 points.
The Breakers, who joined the league as its 10th franchise this season, will be seeking redemption in the second round. The team generated early excitement by beating Huons 4-0 in the season opener, but then lost eight straight to finish last in the first round with a 1-8 record and 5 points.
The Hwaseong Special City Tour opens Wednesday with a ceremony followed by the first match between SY and Crown-Haitai. Woori Financial Capital versus Hana Card and the Breakers versus Harim will then tip off simultaneously, with Huons against Welcome Savings Bank and Hi One Resort against NH Nonghyup Card to follow.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
