However, it was Luc who emerged as the champion, becoming only the third Vietnamese player - after Chien and Minh - to claim this prestigious title.
“This is my first World Cup victory, and it feels incredible. I am thrilled to be the third Vietnamese player to win this honor,” Luc said.
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Tran Thanh Luc expresses his joy after defeating Tayfun Tasdemir in the final match. |
“This championship is a testament to my years of hard work and dedication.”
His triumph marks yet another milestone for Vietnamese three-cushion carom billiards on the global stage. However, Luc's path to success was anything but easy.
Luc was born in Phu Giao district, Southern Binh Duong province, into a family with no history in professional sports. His passion for three-cushion carom drove him to carve his own path.
He began playing billiards relatively late, in 2011, after completing military service. Initially, he took part in local amateur tournaments for fun, but his natural talent soon became evident.
By 2013, he had broken into the top 32 players nationwide. However, financial difficulties forced him to pause his competitive career in 2015, leading him to work at billiard shops to make ends meet. After three challenging years, he made a determined return to profession.
In 2019, Luc officially joined the Ho Chi Minh City billiards team, marking a turning point in his career. Known for his calm playing style, sharp situational awareness, and precision in crucial moments, he steadily rose to prominence in domestic tournaments and gained recognition as one of Vietnam’s top players.
The year 2023 was a breakthrough for Luc, as he finished runner-up at the Asian Championship. The following year, he reached the final of the Three-Cushion Carom Billiards World Championship, ultimately finishing second to Cho Myung-woo.
His recent World Cup victory in Colombia cemented his status as an elite player, as he overcame renowned opponents such as Eddy Merckx, Dick Jaspers, and Tayfun Taşdemir.
Luc’s performance at the 2024 World Championship in Binh Thuan province was also a significant milestone, where he caused a series of upsets to reach the final and claim the world runner-up title. At the time, he expressed his ambition to win a World Cup or a world championship—and now, at 35 years old, he has achieved that dream.
His victory over the 10th-ranked Taşdemir, a three-time World Cup champion and former world champion, propelled him from 11th to 5th in the world rankings. His success has drawn widespread praise from international peers and media.
The International Billiards & Snooker Federation has recognized him as a uniquely talented player, combining strategic play with bold shot-making—earning admiration from even greats like Jaspers.
Aiming for the top
Looking ahead, Luc has set his sights on becoming the world’s No.1 player.
“I aim to win another World Cup and break into the top five this year. I feel fortunate and somewhat surprised to have already achieved this goal in my first World Cup of the year. Now, I will push for even higher rankings—first the top three, and then the No.1 spot,” he said.
The next World Cup stage, scheduled for May 19-25 in Ho Chi Minh City, presents an excellent opportunity for Luc to continue his momentum. He also aims to defend his World Championship runner-up title later this year.
One of Luc's keys to success is his commitment to studying his opponents and maintaining unshakable confidence in his abilities. To achieve his ambitious goals, he plans to continue refining his skills and maintaining peak performance through dedicated training.
With his recent triumph, Luc has firmly established himself among the world's elite. His journey, from struggling financially to winning a World Cup, is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and unwavering passion.
Source: VNA