Female cueist takes on two contrasting events, hot girls compete at Vietnam's 'Billiards World Cup'

Amid the bustling atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City in early September, the HBSF Billiards Tour 2 – Cup MIN Table has entered its opening rounds with great fanfare. Organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Billiards & Snooker Federation, the tournament brings together nearly 310 players from across the country, competing in four disciplines: men's and women's 3-cushion carom, and men's and women's pool. Given its scale and quality, fans have dubbed it the 'Vietnam Billiards World Cup,' albeit unofficially. The biggest highlight is the participation of a group of female players who are both beautiful and skillful, drawing full stands. The absence of Vietnam's number-one player, Duong Quoc Hoang (Hoang Sao), though regrettable, has opened the door for new talents to shine. Most prominent among them is Bui Xuan Vang, the reigning national women's pool champion, who surprised everyone by registering for both 3-cushion carom and pool. In Group C of the women's 3-cushion event, she fought a tense battle with Nguyen Thi Thu and narrowly won 22-21, preserving her top spot. On September 9, she will face Nguyen Ngoc Phuong Anh in a decisive match, followed immediately by her opening pool match – a dense schedule that raises concerns about her stamina. Meanwhile, Nguyen Duc Yen Sinh, the reigning Asian and national champion, delivered a statement victory, crushing My Duyen 25-9. She proves her class just days before she and Nguyen Thi Lien, Nguyen Thi Bich Tram travel to France for the World Championship. Huynh Hoa, a young player born in 2026 in Can Tho, also grabbed attention when, in her debut, she pushed SEA Games champion Le Thi Ngoc Hue to the limit before narrowly losing. Despite the loss, her performance ignited hopes for a new generation of talent. She shared, 'I am disappointed not to win, but I learned many skills. I will definitely return at the next stop.' Beyond their skills, girls like Huynh Hoa, Tu Trinh, and Nguyen Phuong Thuy Tien create a major media buzz. Images of beautiful female players at the table are widely shared, helping bring the sport closer to young audiences. However, this can be a double-edged sword; attention may drift toward looks rather than the sweat and pressure they endure. Technically, competing in both carom and pool is a tremendous challenge. Carom requires the cue ball to contact three cushions before hitting the second object ball, while pool demands precision in pocketing. Bui Xuan Vang must constantly adjust her touch, power, and angles in a short time – a difficult task even for top players. The event gains further significance as HBSF arranged the women's carom to conclude on September 11, allowing the selected players to leave for France ahead of the World Cup. Experts believe that if Bui Xuan Vang can overcome this tough phase, she may not only defend her pool title but also open a new development path for Vietnamese female billiards. Many beautiful three-cushion shots and spectacular point runs have already been witnessed, showing the tournament's rising level. Fans are eagerly awaiting the final group-stage performances, where only the best will remain. With what has unfolded, HBSF Tour 2 – Cup MIN Table has established a professional stage for female athletes to contribute and inspire the next generation. Will people, after admiring these beauties, recognize the true value of their artistic labor on the table? The answer will emerge through the knockout results and the upcoming trip to France.