The Crown Haitai PBA-LPBA Championship, the fourth tour event of the 2026-2027 pro billiards season, has officially opened.
The Professional Billiards Association held an opening ceremony Tuesday at Goyang Kintex PBA Stadium in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, marking the start of the tournament's full schedule. PBA President Yoon Young-dal, Vice President Jang Sang-jin and Crown Haitai Raon team director Ki Jong-pyo were among those in attendance.
Crown Haitai has hosted a PBA-LPBA tour event for seven consecutive seasons since the 2020-2021 season. Its team, Crown Haitai Raon, currently sits third in the overall team league standings this season with a record of 17 wins and 10 losses and 50 points.
"This tournament marks the start of serious ranking competition among players," Yoon said. "The prize-money ranking race for World Championship qualification and the points ranking battle for promotion and relegation will also kick into high gear."
Play began immediately after the ceremony with PBA round-of-128 matches, including Kim Jae-geun (Crown Haitai) vs. Lee Hae-dong and Ku Min-su vs. David Martinez (Spain, Crown Haitai).
The LPBA final is set for 9:30 p.m. Sunday, while the PBA final — carrying a top prize of 100 million won ($73,600) — will be held at 9 p.m. Monday, the tournament's closing day.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
