Duong Quoc Hoang faced a challenging match against the seasoned Dutch player Niels Feijen, widely known as "The Terminator," where he was defeated 9-2. Despite this setback, Hoang demonstrated resilience in the losers' bracket by channeling his successful form from the recent Scottish Open. He triumphed over Portugal's Miguel Silva with a score of 9-4, thereby securing his position in the top 64.

Do The Kien also made significant strides by overcoming Babken Melkonyan with a 9-5 victory, joining Hoang in advancing to the next stage of the competition. Their success highlights the growing prowess of Vietnamese players on the international pool scene.

In their forthcoming matches, Do The Kien is set to face Austria’s renowned player Albin Ouschan, while Duong Quoc Hoang will compete against Spain's Jonas Souto. These matchups are eagerly anticipated, as they will test the skills and strategies of the Vietnamese contenders against some of Europe's best.

The tournament has not been without its challenges for other Vietnamese participants. Players such as Pham Phuong Nam, Luong Duc Thien, Bui Truong An, Nguyen Hai Dang, and Nguyen Manh Duc were eliminated earlier in the competition, illustrating the high level of play and intense competition at the US Open.

Running from August 19 to August 24, the 2024 US Open Pool Championship features a robust lineup of international talent competing for a prize pool of $300,000, equivalent to approximately 7.5 billion VND. The event is a crucial platform for players to demonstrate their skills and earn recognition in the global arena.

As the tournament progresses, the performances of Duong Quoc Hoang and Do The Kien will be closely watched by fans and enthusiasts, both at home in Vietnam and around the world, as they continue to make their mark in the international pool community.

Dai Nam