Vietnam made history at the world billiard tournament

Phuong Vinh's victory on the evening of September 9 was dramatic, because he was ahead in the first 22 rounds. There were times when the opponent created a gap of more than 10 points, but the Vietnamese representative gradually shortened the gap. When the score was 42-45, Phuong Vinh took a 6-point series and led 48-45. But the Uruguayan-American player scored four consecutive points and led 49-48 after 34 shots.

However, Piedrabuena's decisive shot lacked power, causing the cue ball to not roll to the target ball's position. Phuong Vinh stood up and walked towards the table while the balls were still rolling, to save time. Not missing the opportunity, he scored the last two points in the next round, winning 50-49.

The 28-year-old player celebrated his victory by pumping his fist in the air, even though the cue ball had not yet hit the end tape to touch the target ball. When victory was assured, he waved his arms several more times, then kissed the Vietnamese flag on his chest and looked into the camera.

Along with Quyet Chien's victory over Marco Zanetti a few hours earlier, Phuong Vinh became the second Vietnamese player to enter the semi-finals of this year's tournament. For the first time in history, Vietnam has two representatives in the semi-finals of the world championship.

Phuong Vinh is 28 years old and won against world number one player Dick Jaspers at the World Cup in Las Vegas, USA in March 2023. This is also the first time he has reached the semi-finals of a world championship, while his senior Quyet Chien has entered the semi-finals of a world championship for the first time.

In the 3-cushion carom tournament system of the World Billiard Federation (UMB), the World Cup and World Championship (world championship) always gather top players. The World Cup takes place about six or seven times a year, and any player can participate. The world championship only invites the top players on the planet and continents, taking place once a year.

This year's tournament takes place in Ankara, Turkey from September 6 to September 10. Quyet Chien will meet defending champion Tayfun Tasdemir in the first semi-final, at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 10, Hanoi time. Phuong Vinh meets Cho Myung-woo in the second semi-final at 4:30 p.m. on the same day.