This morning, the 37th World Championship Three Cushion National Teams was officially opened in Viersen. Once again, this prestigious tournament returns to the Festhalle, which has hosted the event continuously since 1990, making it a cornerstone of the international carom billiards calendar.

Following the ceremonial parade of the 16 participating national teams, moderated by Frank Schiffers, Viersen’s Mayor Sabine Anemüller and the President of the Deutsche Billard-Union, Enrico Wahle, welcomed the athletes, officials, and spectators both on-site and via livestream. The Viersen-based music band Acoustic Delite contributed to the festive atmosphere with an impressive performance. The official opening of the championship was then conducted by UMB President Farouk Barki.

➡️ The opening ceremony as a photo gallery with 49 images

Among the many billiards enthusiasts were more than 120 students from Clara-Schumann-Gymnasium in Dülken and Erasmus-von-Rotterdam-Gymnasium in Viersen, adding to the vibrant atmosphere in the venue.

From a sporting perspective, the tournament kicks off with a group stage in which the 16 teams compete in four round-robin groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. Defending champion Vietnam aims to retain its title, while Germany, represented by Martin Horn and Ronny Lindemann, enters the competition as the reigning European champion.

The first matches of the championship began at 12:00 PM with the Netherlands facing the USA and Spain playing against Egypt. Team Germany will start its campaign at 6:00 PM against Colombia, while defending champion Vietnam plays its first match at 2:00 PM against Jordan.

Fans who wish to experience the World Championship Three Cushion National Teams live at the Festhalle can still purchase tickets at the box office. For those unable to attend in person, SOOP is providing a livestream, and live scores can be followed on Cuesco.

➡️ Livestream
➡️ Livescore