Playing in Group 1, Chien needed little time to assert his dominance against his compatriot. In the same group, Nguyen Ngoc Tri defeated Nguyen Hoang Duy, setting up a second-round match with Chien later in the afternoon, where another win wil see Chien advance to the next round.

The final round of the tournament runs from August 14 to 16 at the HTV Theatre, bringing together 64 elite domestic and international cueists. Alongside Chien, the tournament features top national stars including Bao Phuong Vinh, Tran Thanh Luc, and Nguyen Tran Thanh Tu.

International entries include four players: Kang Ja In, Park Jeongu, and Kim Dohyeon from the Republic of Korea, alongside Turkey's Tolgahan Kiraz, currently ranked among the world's top 20 by the World Union of Billiards (UMB).

Female cueists Nguyen Duc Yen Sinh and Le Thi Ngoc Hue were also awarded wildcards to compete alongside their male counterparts.

The tournament champion will receive VND 80 million (approximately US$3,065) in prize money, while the runner-up will take home VND50 million (US$1,915). Two third-place finishers will each receive VND20 million (US$766), in addition to special awards for the highest run and the best match performance.

With its rising technical quality, the annual tournament is expected to remain a major draw for fans while helping players prepare for upcoming domestic and international competitions.

Vietnamese cueist makes history at 2026 Asian Carom Billiards Championship

VOV.VN -Vietnam’s Nguyen Duc Yen Sinh has marked a historic milestone for Vietnamese billiards after winning the women’s three-cushion carom title at the 2026 Asian Carom Billiards Championship in Ho Chi Minh City.