The Vietnamese team previously met their Spanish team in a group A game, ending up in a draw. The final game gave them the chance to show off their bravery.

At table 1, Tran Quyet Chien (World No.2) took on Ruben Legazpi who trailed him by 24 spots. Chien got off to a good start with 11 points, but later made mistakes, allowing Lepazpi to lead 20-11 before the break.

The bravery of Vietnam’s number 1 player helped Chien equalize 36-36 in the 24th inning but then lost 38-40 in the end.

At table 2, Phuong Vinh (world No.8) easily overwhelmed Sergio Jimenez (world No.188) 40-22 after 19 innings.

The draw sent the two teams to a tie-break game. Both Vinh and Chien first led 14-11 but allowed their opponents to equalize 14-14. In the decisive inning, reigning world champion Vinh brought a breathtaking 15-14 victory for Vietnam.

This is the first time Vietnamese cueists have won the championship title at the tournament.

The 2024 World Championship Three-Cushion National Teams took place in Viersen, Germany, from March 21 to 24. The tournament attracted 16 participating teams that were divided into four groups, with teams competing in a round robin to select eight teams to the knockout stage.

Vietnam ranked first in Group A after drawing with Spain in the opening match, winning against Argentina, and drawing with defending champions Turkey. They then beat Belgium in the quarter-finals, and the US in the semi-finals.

VOV