Cueist Bao Phuong Vinh delivered a commanding performance to claim the championship title at the 2025 SCTV International 3-Cushion Billiards Cup, which concluded on the evening of May 31.

In the first semifinal, World Cup Bogota champions Tran Quyet Chien and Tran Thanh Luc treated fans to a thrilling match. Despite leading 46-32, Quyet Chien was nearly caught when Thanh Luc narrowed the gap to 47-49. However, Quyet Chien held his nerve and edged into the final with a narrow 50-47 victory.

In the second semifinal, Bao Phuong Vinh showcased superb form, surging ahead 25-6 after just eight innings against Mai Tan Huyen. Although Huyen mounted a strong comeback, Bao Phuong Vinh calmly sealed the win with a 12-point series in the 21st inning, finishing 50-34.

The final between Tran Quyet Chien and Bao Phuong Vinh was a gripping clash between two of Vietnam’s top players from different generations. Quyet Chien started aggressively, but Bao Phuong Vinh quickly adjusted and led 25-18 at the halfway mark. The second half saw a tense back-and-forth score chase, but Bao Phuong Vinh’s composure and consistency ultimately secured a convincing 50-44 win after 18 innings.

With his 2025 SCTV Cup title, Bao Phuong Vinh was awarded a prize of VND 500 million (approximately USD 19,700), while runner-up Tran Quyet Chien received VND 100 million (around USD 3,950). Semifinalists Tran Thanh Luc and Mai Tan Huyen each earned VND 50 million (about USD 1,975).

Duy Nguyen