Vietnamese player crowned world billiards champion

Tran Quyet Chien during the final of Three-Cushion World Cup with Sameh Sidhom in Porto, Portugal on July 2, 2023. Photo by UMB

This is the second time that a Vietnamese player won the Three-Cushion World Cup and it’s also Chien’s second world title, after winning the tournament at home in 2018.

In the final in Porto on Sunday night, Sidhom led 7-2 but Chien came back to lead 13-9 after 10 turns. From then, the Vietnamese cueist maintained the lead throughout the match, always leading by at least one point despite Sidhom’s relentless effort.

Before scoring the winning strike, Chien, Vietnam’s number one billiard player, bumped his fist in the air to celebrate and bowed to thank the audience, who applauded him.

After 27 turns, Chien won 50-30 against Sidhom. On his journey to the title, the 39-year-old had four victories and only lost once.

In third place is another Vietnamese player, Chiem Hong Thai, whom Chien defeated in the semifinals, and France’s Jeremy Bury.

On average, Chien scored 1.775 points per turn in the tournament.

The Three-Cushion World Cup was established in 1986, with six or seven tournaments held every year. Chien is the 21st player who has won the title more than once.