Sanchez wins first billiards title after struggling in 2024

Billiards

Spaniard Daniel Sanchez (left) receives a big bonus after winning the men’s title of the PBA-LPBA SY Bazzar Hà Nội Open 2024 on August 26 in Hà Nội. Photos from VietContent

HÀ NỘI — Daniel Sanchez won the men’s title at the PBA-LPBA SY Bazzar Hà Nội Open 2024, the most well-known competition of the South Korean Professional Billiards Association (PBA) organised in Việt Nam, on August 26.

The Spaniard defeated Eom Sangpil of South Korea 4-2 in the three-cushion category at the Grand Hà Nội Hotel in a intense finale that drew many local and international spectators on a night of heavy rain.

Sanchez stormed ahead to win three games — 15-2, 15-3 and 15-6 — in a row, making many people believe he would quickly take the trophy home. The player who wins four games wins the championship.

Spaniard Daniel Sanchez seen competing in the final of the PBA-LPBA SY Bazzar Hà Nội Open 2024 on August 26 in Hà Nội.

However, Eom was not an easy rival. He fought back in the next two games, taking them 15-13 and 15-2 to narrow the score.

Sanchez showed why he was third best in the world with an impressive performance in the sixth game, taking it 15-6 to wrap up the tournament.

He pocketed a championship trophy and a prize of 100 million KRW (US$75,180).

“I couldn’t think about a win at this tournament as I have had a difficult year, being defeated in the first, second and third rounds of previous competitions,” said an emotional Sanchez.

“Many people thought that my time was over and I would never win again. I just tried my best every match and I was nearly crying with this title. This cup is meaningful to me. I will never forget the Hà Nội tournament,” he said.

In the women’s division, Kim Ga-young took the top podium after beating Kim Se-yeon in the all-South Korean final 4-1, taking home 40 million KRW (just over $30,000).

South Korean Kim Ga-young celebrates her PBA-LPBA SY Bazzar Hà Nội Open 2024 victory.

The tournament, part of the PBA Tour’s sixth season, ran from August 19 to 26.

The PBA Tour is renowned worldwide for its high level of competition, exceptional organisation, entertainment value, substantial prize money and the participation of top-tier athletes.

It attracted 192 of the world’s leading players, including 126 men and 64 women from countries such as the Republic of Korea, Japan, Turkey, Belgium and Spain.

Việt Nam was represented by 27 male players in wildcards and five other PBA players in the competition. However, they all failed to win on home ground.

According to Lee Hee Jin, Vice President of the PBA, despite the relatively short preparation time, the collaboration and hospitality extended by Hà Nội’s cultural, sports and municipal authorities were key to the tournament’s successful conclusion.

Following the success of this year’s event, the PBA is planning to host at least one annual tour event in Việt Nam. Additionally, it is considering organising a team competition round of the PBA Tour in the country. VNS