Vietnam’s Chien finishes runner-up at billiards world cup

The Vietnamese world number four had to constantly play catch-up with Jaspers, who maintained a big lead throughout the final.

Before the break he led 28-14 and then scored 10 more after resumption. With 38 points from just 13 shots he scored an average of 2.923.

When Jaspers was leading 44-23, Chien missed the ball from close range, which enabled the Dutchman to reach 50 and win the game in just 19 shots. His 2.631 average per shot was his best in the tournament, while Chien’s 1.211 was his lowest.

Chien pocketed $11,270 while Jaspers took home $17,840.

This was his 26th world title. The 56-year-old has also won the Three-Cushion World Cup five times.

Chien entered the final with six straight wins, including three in the group stage. He defeated South Korea’s Heo Jung-han 50-32 in the round of 16 and Germany’s Martin Horn 50-29 in the quarterfinals.

In the semifinals he had a tough match against local star Tayfun Tasdemir and scraped through 50-42. This showing has helped him advance to the Three-Cushion World Cup final for a third time.

The World Cup will be played from Feb. 20 to 27 also in Turkey.

Chien had won it in 2018 in Ho Chi Minh City.