South Korean cueist Kim Bogeon impresses by defeating male opponents at the HBSF Tour 1 MIN Table Cup 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Duc Phong
South Korean female cueists emerged as a highlight of the opening day after several of them chose to compete against male opponents, led by Kim Bogeon’s impressive performances.
Although her primary event is women’s pool, she also entered the men’s pool and women’s three-cushion carom competitions.
Kim defeated male opponents in the men’s pool event on Tuesday.
She first overcame Nguyen Dinh Hoang Nam in a penalty shootout.
In her second match, Kim defeated Bui Hong Tan to secure a place in the round of 64.
Several other South Korean female players also made their mark.
Song Nakyung defeated Ho Chi Kien 2-0, winning both sets by identical 3-2 scores.
Meanwhile, Kwon Bomi beat Phung Quoc Huy 2-0 with set scores of 3-2 and 3-1.
Kwon Bomi is among the female players who secured victories on the opening day of the tournament. Photo: Duc Phong
The HBSF Tour 1 MIN Table Cup 2026 is being held at the Ho Chi Minh City Sports Service Center, located at 215C Ly Thuong Kiet Street in Phu Tho Ward, through June 7.
Organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Billiards & Snooker Federation, the tournament offers a total prize pool of nearly VND400 million (US$15,182).
The competition has attracted around 360 players, including most of Vietnam’s top cueists across all disciplines as well as several international players, particularly from South Korea.
Competitors are contesting four events: men’s three-cushion carom, women’s three-cushion carom, men’s nine-ball pool, and women’s nine-ball pool.
Launched in 2022, the HBSF Tour has become one of Vietnam’s most prestigious billiards competitions.
Often referred to as the ‘World Cup of Vietnamese Billiards,’ the tournament is known for its strong field of players, professional organization, and high-standard equipment.
