A dream start to 2026

Duong Quoc Hoang began 2026 in spectacular fashion by winning the Premier League Pool title, defeating reigning runner-up Francisco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain 7-4 in the final.

He made history as the first Vietnamese and the first Asian player to claim the Premier League Pool crown, one of the most prestigious events in the United States. The invitational tournament is part of the World Nineball Tour organized by Matchroom, bringing together 16 of the world’s top nine-ball players to compete in a multi-day round-robin format before advancing to knockout rounds to determine the champion.

The 2026 Premier League Pool title is regarded as the biggest international achievement of Duong Quoc Hoang’s career to date, following his Scottish Open triumph in 2024.

Beyond inspiring the younger generation, the victory at what is often dubbed the “English Premier League” of professional pool earned Hoang US$25,000.

A top prize earner

Duong Quoc Hoang has also become Vietnam’s leading prize hunter in cue sports. In 2025 alone, he pocketed US$15,000 for reaching the last 16 at the World Pool Championship, VND70 million from winning the Pool 9-ball event at the final stage of the HBSF Final, VND500 million from the Reyes Cup, and approximately VND80 million as runner-up at the Universal Sniper 9-Ball Open.

With consistent performances on both domestic and global stages, Duong Quoc Hoang is not only at the peak of his career but also setting new financial benchmarks for Vietnamese billiards.

Dai Nam