Vietnamese cueist Duong Quoc Hoang advances smoothly in European tournament with prize exceeding 1 billion

Vietnam's leading cueist Duong Quoc Hoang showcased remarkable performance, beating Benji Buckley 10–3 to progress to the Last 64 of the European Open Championship 2026, where the champion's prize exceeds 1 billion dong.

Throughout the match lasting just over an hour, Duong Quoc Hoang displayed his trademark calmness and ability to control the game's momentum.

Known to fans by his nickname "Hoang Sao," the cueist born in 1987 quickly dominated the table with precise break shots and neat, clear ball control. His stable rhythm from the start helped Hoang build psychological momentum, continuously widening the gap as Buckley struggled to maintain consistency.

The match followed an alternating break format, which typically provides balanced opportunities for both players. However, the difference lay in Hoang's shot selection and safe tactical approach.

Whenever Buckley left even a small opening, the Vietnamese cueist immediately capitalized with accurate shots and excellent cue ball control to establish a safe points lead.

Although Buckley attempted to change tactics with a more aggressive style, seeking quick table clears to reduce the deficit. But with sharp defensive thinking, Hoang minimized his opponent's opportunities. Many frames turned into tactical mind games, and in such situations, Hoang showed admirable patience, forcing his opponent into errors before regaining control of the table.

Maintaining high concentration, Duong Quoc Hoang concluded the match with the same assured demeanor as when he started. A smooth table clearance in the final frame secured the Vietnamese cueist's 10–3 victory after just over an hour of play.

This victory advances Duong Quoc Hoang to the round of 64 of the European Open Championship, where competition intensity will significantly increase as many world top cueists enter the later stages of the event.

Nevertheless, with the form shown in this match—from confident breaks combined with precise shot-making and high tactical discipline—Hoang Sao indicates he is ready to advance further.

The 10-3 victory over Benji Buckley in the last 128 (128 participants) follows Hoang Sao's swift 9-2 win in just one hour over local cueist Amar Idrizovic from Bosnia Herzegovina in his first match at the 9-ball Pool European Open Championship 2026.

Now the competition heats up for Vietnam's Premier League Pool 2026 champion as Hoang Sao will certainly encounter formidable opponents if he continues winning and progresses deeper in this year's European Open Championship. This tournament offers a $40,000 prize (equivalent to 1.051 billion dong) for the champion.

Immediately, in the last 64 (64 participants), Hoang Sao will face the winner of the match between Salvador Garcia and Lorvo Bracun.