Brian Jeffrey
The prestigious LBA LPBA SY Bazzar Hanoi Open 2024 is attracting 192 top cueists globally, with a substantial prize pool of 6.6 billion VND, drawing 27 Vietnamese players.
“Billiards Angel” Lee Mi-rae, a formidable competitor and one of the world’s leading female cueists, is determined to claim the 750 million VND top prize and extend her successful run on the international stage.
Lee Mi-rae, renowned as one of the top female cueists worldwide, is among the 64 contenders vying for honors at the LBA LPBA SY Bazzar Hanoi Open 2024, a premier 3-cushion carom tournament taking place in Hanoi with an impressive prize pool of 6.6 billion VND.
Marking the first PBA Tour event within the global system managed by the Professional Billiards Association of Korea in Vietnam, 192 elite cueists, including 27 Vietnamese players, are competing in this esteemed competition from August 19-26.
The men’s competition boasts a total prize purse of 250 million won, approximately 4.7 billion VND, with the champion earning 100 million won, equivalent to about 1.9 billion VND. On the other hand, the LPBA women’s event offers a total prize of 100 million won, approximately 1.9 billion VND, with the winner securing 40 million won, roughly 750 million VND.
The PBA Tour, with its global presence, has been meticulously planning the Vietnam event for two years. Lee Hee Jin, Vice President of PBA and CEO of FMG, emphasized Vietnam’s growing influence in the sport, stating, “Vietnam holds the second position globally in 3-cushion carom after Korea. The market here is continually evolving, and Vietnam is acknowledged as an emerging force in 3-cushion carom, boasting top-notch cueists. Hence, selecting Vietnam as the inaugural stop for the global tour was a natural choice.”
The LBA LPBA SY Bazzar Hanoi Open 2024 is being conducted in adherence to international standards, with matches aired live on four Korean sports channels and VTVCab.
Among the standout participants is Korea’s “Billiards Angel,” Lee Mi-rae. Having competed in Vietnam previously, Lee Mi-rae expressed her excitement, saying, “I cherish the purple Ao Dai I purchased during my last competition in Ho Chi Minh City. During my time in Hanoi, I hope my fans continue to support me.” Lee Mi-rae is aiming for the top prize of 750 million VND.
Looking ahead, the PBA plans to host three tours in Vietnam, with events scheduled in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, including a team competition.
