Tran Thanh Luc secured his first Three-Cushion World Cup title in Turkey, becoming the third Vietnamese player to achieve this honor. In a thrilling final, he overcame Tasdemir after a tense match, marking Vietnam’s continued success in billiards with five titles in the last 12 tournaments. Luc’s triumph elevates his ranking and showcases Vietnam’s growing prominence in the sport.
Tran Thanh Luc, a Vietnamese billiards player, recently achieved his first World Cup title in Turkey, marking a significant milestone for both himself and his country. In a gripping final match, Luc initially led 49-40 but faced a challenge as Turkish player Tasdemir rallied, narrowing the score to 47-49. Ultimately, a missed shot by Tasdemir allowed Luc to secure the winning point after 36 turns, thereby clinching the championship.
With this victory, Luc becomes the third player from Vietnam to win a Three-Cushion World Cup title, joining the ranks of Tran Quyet Chien and Tran Duc Minh. His success reinforces Vietnam’s remarkable performance over the past two years, with five championships in the last twelve World Cup tournaments, the highest among all participating nations during this period.
Celebrating his achievement with humility, Luc raised his arms in gratitude as the audience at Palacio de Los Deportes cheered for him. Tasdemir graciously congratulated Luc with a warm hug, demonstrating sportsmanship despite the defeat. Notably, fellow Vietnamese player Bao Phuong Vinh supported Luc from the sidelines, displaying the national flag and singing the national anthem together with the new champion.
Currently ranked 11th in the world and second in Vietnam after Chien, Luc’s triumph is expected to advance him into the top five globally for the first time. His competition history includes a notable semifinal victory against world number one Dick Jaspers, defeating him 50-37 after 27 turns, reinforcing his status in the billiards community.
Luc’s win positions Vietnam as the fifth nation with at least three players having won a billiards World Cup, joining notable countries such as the Netherlands and South Korea. The World Cup, established in 1986, has been contested 207 times, with Sweden’s Torbjorn Blomdahl holding the record for the most titles at 46, while Chien remains Asia’s most successful player with four titles.
In conclusion, Tran Thanh Luc’s victory in the Three-Cushion World Cup in Turkey highlights his dedication and talent, as well as Vietnam’s growing prominence in the billiards world. His win not only affirms his personal achievements but also contributes to the nation’s reputation in the sport. With Luc joining the ranks of notable champions, Vietnam continues to demonstrate its strength in billiards on the international stage.
Original Source: e.vnexpress.net
