Kim and Huong Ly came from behind to win the women's doubles title with a 16-14 victory.
Training 7 days a week, sometimes up to 16 hours, Kim and Huong Ly staged a comeback, climbing from 12-14 to 16-14 to win the semi-pro women's doubles title at the VITAMIN NETWORK OPEN II, receiving 16,000,000 VND.
The drama reached its peak at 12-14. Facing defeat, the duo Em Kim (Hoang Kim) and Huong Ly scored four consecutive points to win 16-14, closing out the semi-pro women's doubles final at the 2nd VITAMIN NETWORK OPEN for the CURADOL Cup with an emotional comeback. The trophy and the 16,000,000 VND prize money are not just tangible rewards, but also the clearest answer to all doubts surrounding Em Kim.
Events: From 12-14 to 16-14
The final started evenly before the advantage shifted to the opposing team at 12-14. However, Em Kim and Huong Ly maintained their rhythm, minimized errors, and capitalized on opportunities to score the decisive points, ultimately winning 16-14. The outcome reflected their composure in crucial moments – where pressure and mental strength determined the result.
Physical fitness foundation and transformation
Behind her breakthrough on the court lies a rigorous training regimen. Kim shared: “Now, I train 7 days a week, the longest day I’ve ever played was 16 hours straight, of course with breaks. Because I aim to become a semi-professional, consistent training is very important, and I’ve also hired a coach to be as professional and serious about this passion as possible.”
From a diverse sports background (tennis, running, golf) to pickleball, she said the physical transformation happened faster than expected: “To be honest, before playing pickleball, I weighed almost 70kg, but after just 3 months of consistent training, I lost weight down to 52kg. I regained my figure and confidence… My body also became healthier and more energetic.”
Arguments and responses on the field
Before winning the title, Em Kim faced controversy regarding her style of competition, particularly her distinctive "skirt-lifting" outfit. When mocked for "showing off," she responded, "I've already secured third place, you know," emphasizing her seriousness in training and her choice of outfit for comfort during the competition.
The semi-pro women's doubles title at the 2nd VITAMIN NETWORK OPEN thus became a milestone, marking a transition from an "amateur competition" image to a semi-professional athlete with a structured training regimen and investment from a coach.
Key statistics
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Final score | 16-14 (reverse from 12-14) |
| Content | Semi-pro women's doubles |
| Tournament | VITAMIN NETWORK OPEN II – CURADOL Cup |
| Award | 16,000,000 VND + Trophy |
| Training schedule | 7 days a week; sometimes up to 16 hours (with breaks). |
| Weight change | From approximately 70 kg to 52 kg in 3 months (according to shared experience). |
Impact: From a personal story to a wave of movement
The victory solidified the image of a young athlete pursuing a semi-professional career with discipline and clear direction. In the context of pickleball gaining attention, the news that Vietnam is one of over 60 countries participating in the 2025 Pickleball World Cup (October 27th to November 2nd, 2025 in Florida, USA) further energized the community, expanding the platform for stories of effort and growth like Kim's.
Meaning
The 16-14 victory after being down 12-14 speaks volumes: mental resilience, readiness for decisive moments, and Em Kim's journey of self-reinvention – from the center of controversy to a champion on the court.
