Identify the second Vietnamese cueist after Hoang Sao to advance to the knockout round of the tournament with a 2.6 billion prize pool.

Luong Duc Thien (Thien Luong) is the second Vietnamese cueist, after Duong Quoc Hoang (Hoang Sao), to earn a place in the Last 64 of the Carabao International Open, an international competition boasting a total prize fund of 100,000 USD (around 2.6 billion VND).

Thien Luong follows in Hoang Sao's footsteps into the Last 64 of the Carabao International Open 2026

In the decisive match, Thien Luong faced a highly promising young cueist from the host nation, Indonesia—who had previously sent Bui Truong An to the losers' bracket. Entering the match with great determination, the Vietnamese player soon felt the pressure from his opponent, especially when the home cueist went on a scoring streak to take a 7-4 lead in a closely contested frame.

However, a turning point came from an inaccurate safety shot by his opponent, allowing Thien Luong to regain control. Immediately after, he capitalized on the opportunity with a precise 2–9 combination shot to narrow the gap. By the 14th rack, fortune favored the Vietnamese cueist again when his opponent unexpectedly missed the 7-ball in a situation that could have sealed the match. Not wasting the chance, Thien Luong concluded the match with a decisive shot, securing a nail-biting 8-7 victory.

This victory not only allowed Thien Luong to "avenge" his close friend An Nhiet but also made him the second Vietnamese cueist to reach the Last 64, following Hoang Sao at this prestigious international tournament taking place in Jakarta.

The Carabao International Open 2026 is held from February 4 to 8, 2026, in Indonesia, gathering a host of top world billiards stars such as Aloysius Yapp, Johann Chua, Carlo Biado, along with strong representatives from Vietnam. The tournament features a total prize pool of 100,000 USD, with the champion receiving 20,000 USD and the runner-up 10,000 USD, played under the 9-ball format.

The consecutive advancement of Vietnamese representatives in such a major tournament continues to signal a positive upswing for Vietnamese billiards, while raising hopes for a dynamic 2026 with many memorable milestones on the international stage.