Vietnamese player Chiêm Hồng Thái finishes runner-up at Ho Chi Minh City Billiards World Cup

Vietnamese billiards player Chiêm Hồng Thái achieved a career-best result, securing the runner-up title at the Ho Chi Minh City Carom Billiards World Cup 2026. The 25-year-old faced seasoned Belgian player Frederic Caudron in the final match held at the Nguyen Du Gymnasium.

Despite a strong showing throughout the tournament, including a remarkable comeback victory against Eddy Merckx in the semifinals, Thái ultimately fell to Caudron with a score of 50-25. Caudron, a veteran in the sport, demonstrated superior skill and experience, at times building a lead of nearly 10 points and even stringing together 15 consecutive points.

Throughout the final, Thái displayed determination, capitalizing on Caudron's errors to narrow the gap. The home crowd's fervent support fueled his efforts, but Caudron's consistent performance proved too strong. The Belgian player maintained his composure in the final stages, securing the championship title without any late mistakes.

This runner-up finish represents a significant milestone for Chiêm Hồng Thái, marking his first appearance in a World Cup final. The tournament was a memorable event for the Vietnamese representative, highlighting his growing prowess in the competitive world of carom billiards.