Cambodian billiards player Sruong Pheavy has achieved one of her life goals at her first appearance at the SEA Games, after claiming a gold medal for Cambodia in her signature 3 cushion carom event at the 32nd SEA Games.

The final match was held on May 8, at a specially prepared venue at AEON Mall Sen Sok. Pheavy defeated Hoang Yen Nhi Nguyen of Vietnam 25-20 to secure the gold, her third consecutive victory of the tournament. Earlier in the day, she inflicted heavy defeats on Vietnamese player Phung Kien Tuong – who went down 25-10 in the semi-finals – and Chezka Luy Centrno of the Philippines, who was put to the sword in a 25-6 drubbing.

The match, which was broadcast live to the thousands of fans who were unable to attend in person, was followed closely by Pheavy’s fans, who were keen to see if she could deliver the performance she had promised the Kingdom. Ahead of the games, she had been coolly confident that her ten years as a professional in South Korea had given her the tools she needed to seal the victory. She was right.

Pheavy hails from Tbong Khmum province, and said she had dreamt of representing the Kingdom ever since her first game.

“When I started playing, my husband told me that one day I would earn a medal for my country,” she added.

“No matter how often I compete in Korea and no matter how many world titles I earn, it will never be the same as this. I did this for my people! My decade long dream has come true. I could never have imagined that my sport would become so popular,” she continued.

She believed that there are always obstacles to success, and it is how a person over comes them that it important. No matter how strong someone is, they need to remain focussed if they want to make it.

“Success does not come easily – we have to face down our challenges. Even once we know what we want, we need to fight for it. I am the daughter of a poor farmer, and now I am a renowned athlete, who just claimed gold on her own soil. It is beyond compare,” she said.

She described her journey to the top of her sport, recalling how her Korean husband had taken note of her natural talent and convinced her to train herself.

“He would not let me work, insisting that I train at carom billiards. He even took on night work in a kitchen to support my raining. There were other sacrifices,” she said.

“I went to South Korea to earn money and send it back to my family in Cambodia. For six or seven years, I was unable to, as I was training. It was only once I established myself as a top player that I was able to help my family. For the past ight years or so, I have also taken part in many charity events to support those in need,” she added.

Pheavy encouraged all Cambodian women to play sports, noting that they never knew how it might change their lives.

“I was born the daughter of a cassava farmer, and now I am a well known celebrity in South Korea,” she said.

“No matter what kind of sport you play, you might one day get an opportunity like I did – to help the Kingdom find fame on the international stage,” she added.

She dedicated her huge result to her Khmer ancestors and all of the modern day Cambodians who had encouraged her to pursue her golden dream.

“First of all, I want to dedicate my victory to every generation that came before me. Next, I want to thank the leaders and everyday Cambodians who sent me encouraging messages. Your wish messages are precious. The Cambodian people show solidarity, and then Cambodia moves forward with the utmost conviction,” she said.

After taking the top spot in the three cushion event, she has a chance to repeat the feat in the one cushion event. The final event will be contested on May 12. As the sole Cambodian entry, Pheavy will be taking on seven athletes from three countries – Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.