Vietnamese Billiards: Numbers That Speak and the Journey to Global Prominence

In 2026, Vietnam had three players in the world's top 10 for three-cushion carom billiards – a remarkable figure for a country of over 100 million people. But that number did not appear by chance; it is the result of two decades of changing perceptions about the sport. When I followed matches in the early 2000s, I saw a generation of passionate but directionless players. Today, they have a systematic framework. From an entertainment game in local clubs, Vietnamese billiards has become a professional sport with national and international tournament systems. This transformation began in the 2000s, when players like Tran Quyet Chien started achieving success on the Asian stage. However, it was not until the 2010s, with systematic investment from federations and the emergence of training academies, that Vietnamese billiards truly broke through. According to statistics from the Vietnam Billiards Federation, the number of clubs increased from 500 in 2026 to over 2,000 in 2026. This creates a healthy competitive environment where young talents can develop. Furthermore, more international tournaments are being held in Vietnam, giving players opportunities to compete against the world's best. Data analysis shows that Vietnam's billiards success comes not only from individual talent but also from tactics and mental strength. According to the Vietnam Billiards Federation, the average training time for top players is 6 hours per day, double the regional average. This creates advantages in technique and consistency. Moreover, video analysis of opponents has become indispensable, helping players identify opponents' weaknesses. In the 2026 World Championship final, Tran Quyet Chien used defensive tactics to lock down his Dutch opponent, creating a crucial turning point. This proves that billiards is not just about beautiful shots but also a mental battle. Specifically, in that match, Tran Quyet Chien had 12 successful defensive plays, forcing his opponent into errors. Data shows his win rate when applying this tactic is 85%. Additionally, mental performance plays a vital role. Vietnamese players are often trained in stress management, helping them stay calm in decisive moments. A study by Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sport shows that players have a psychological stability index 30% higher than the regional average. This explains why they often win in deciding rounds. Many believe that investing in expensive facilities and equipment is the key to success. But in reality, according to domestic tournament data, Vietnamese players achieve their best results when focusing on tactics and psychology, rather than relying solely on playing conditions. A typical example is Nguyen Duc Anh Chien, who won the 2026 Asian Championship on a court that was not the most modern. This shows that human factors and tactics are decisive, not technology. We often obsess over buying new equipment, but forget that it is disciplined training and smart tactics that make the difference. Vietnamese billiards is at a great opportunity to assert its position on the world map. With the right investment and sustainable development strategy, there is no limit for this sport. The question is: do we have enough patience to sustain this growth? Numbers do not lie, but they are only a starting point. The future lies in how we read and use them.