Three players from the Philippines and 'Prince of Pool' Ko Pin Yi have advanced to the semifinals of the Hanoi Open 2024, while 2023 champion Jason Shaw and Shane Van Boening were both eliminated.

Shane Van Boening (USA), a five-time US Open champion, was the biggest surprise in the Round of 16 of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024, as he lost 7-10 to Carlo Vergara of the Philippines.

In the quarterfinals, 2023 Hanoi Open champion Jason Shaw (UK) fought a close match against Ko Pin Yi (Chinese Taipei), pushing it to hill-hill. However, in the decisive moment, Ko Pin Yi demonstrated both luck and skill, defeating Shaw 10-9 and ending his title defense.

The semifinals and finals will take place today (October 13), with Ko Pin Yi facing a formidable lineup of three players from the Philippines: Johan Chua, Carlo Biado, and Jefrey Roda.

In the quarterfinals, J. Chua easily defeated Kaci 10-6, Roda overcame Vergara 10-8, and Biado defeated former world number one Francisco Sanchez Ruiz 10-5. The two semifinal matches are Biado vs. Johan Chua and Ko Pin Yi vs. Jefrey Roda.

During the opening ceremony of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024, Director of Hanoi's Department of Culture and Sports, Do Dinh Hong, emphasized the tournament's growing appeal and success in promoting this captivating sport.

"Through this event, we aim to showcase a dynamic and modern Hanoi to international friends, highlighting the beautiful images of our capital, the rich traditional culture, and the hospitality of Hanoi’s people—a city of peace, always ready to welcome guests," Mr. Hong remarked.

Held from October 8 to 13, with 256 players from 33 countries, the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024 offers an impressive prize pool of over 5 billion VND. The tournament has attracted nearly all the world’s top pool players, creating a buzz among both Vietnamese and global 9-ball fans.

Yen Nhi