The new team world champion in 3-cushions billiards has been crowned. After four days of absolute world-class billiards with many exciting matches, the Taiwanese duo of Tran Thanh Tu Nguyen and Quyet Chien Tran claimed the title.

In a final that remained thrilling until the very last ball, they defeated the host nation Germany in Viersen with a score of 4:0 points. Both singles matches were played simultaneously as usual, with Tran quickly pulling ahead against Martin Horn. At times, his lead reached around a dozen points, but by the halfway break, the German had already closed the gap to within striking distance at 18:20.

Afterward, it even seemed as if Horn might take the lead himself, but within two innings the momentum shifted again. Quyet Chien Tran scored point after point and ultimately became the first to reach the magical number of forty points. Since Horn had started the match, there was no opportunity for a final equalizing inning.

Meanwhile, Tran Thanh Tu Nguyen gradually extended his lead over his opponent Amir Ibraimov. The match became more exciting after Tran had defeated Horn and all eyes turned to Nguyen. He visibly struggled to close out the match, allowing the young German back into contention.

However, the German was unable to capitalize sufficiently and had to watch as Nguyen scored the decisive point to make it 40:34. With that, the world championship title was secured for Vietnam, and the two athletes embraced immediately after the fortieth point.

Semifinal Vietnam – Sweden 4:2
In the first semifinal of the day, Vietnam faced Sweden starting at 11:00 a.m. Quyet Chien Tran managed to pull away from Torbjörn Blomdahl after the mid-match break and was the first to cross the finish line at 40:30. Blomdahl still had the equalizing inning and scored an impressive six points, but it was not enough to tie the match.

In the parallel match, David Pennor had the better ending for Sweden. Against Tran Thanh Tu Nguyen, he maintained his narrow lead and carried it to the score of 40:36. Nguyen managed only two points in his equalizing inning, meaning the Scotch Double had to decide the finalist.

In the doubles match, the Vietnamese started at high speed and played a fantastic run of eleven points. Nevertheless, nothing was decided yet, as the Swedes fought their way back somewhat. After a phase marked by many safety shots and missed opportunities, Team Vietnam managed to score the remaining points needed for a 15:7 victory and qualification for the final.

Semifinal Germany – Colombia 4:2
The second semifinal was also decided by the Scotch Double. Amir Ibraimov narrowly defeated Huberney Catano 40:38, while the match between Martin Horn and Pedro Gonzalez was heading toward a 40:40 draw. Horn had the equalizing inning at 39:40 but, to his own dismay and that of countless German fans in the stands, he missed this routine shot.

Amir Ibraimov immediately went to his teammate to encourage him and pointed to the upcoming doubles match. This had an effect, as Horn and Ibraimov started with a run of eight points.

It took a little while longer for the victory to be secured, but the final score of 15:7 in favor of the host nation was comparatively clear.

This concludes the 38th edition of the 3-Cushions Team World Championship in Viersen, Germany. Once again, the Festhalle proved to be an excellent venue for this event.

The numerous spectators who filled the hall, especially over the weekend, turned it into a true cauldron and created a genuine world championship atmosphere. The athletes thanked them with world-class performances and provided excellent promotion for the sport of 3-cushions billiards.

Results of the final day

Semifinals
Sweden – Vietnam 2:4
Germany – Colombia 4:2

Final
Vietnam – Germany 4:0