Billiard player Tran Thanh Luc reveals the miracle of winning the World Cup

(Dan Tri) - Tran Thanh Luc made a big splash in the Vietnamese billiards community when he won the prestigious 3-cushion carom World Cup in Bogota (Colombia).

On the morning of March 3, in the final match of the 3-cushion carom billiards World Cup 2025 in Bogota (Colombia), player Tran Thanh Luc excellently defeated Turkish player Tayfun Tasdemir with a close score of 50-47 to win the championship.

At this year's 3-cushion Carom World Cup in Bogota, Vietnam had many excellent players such as Tran Duc Minh, Tran Quyet Chien, Bao Phuong Vinh, and Chiem Hong Thai. But Tran Thanh Luc was the one named to the prestigious throne.

This championship also marks Vietnam's third champion in the 3-cushion carom World Cup, after Tran Quyet Chien and Tran Duc Minh.

The reward after the above efforts helped the 1990-born player from Binh Duong jump from 11th to 5th in the world with 273 points according to the latest update from the World Carom 3-Cushion Billiards Federation (UMB). Notably, right after being crowned, Tran Thanh Luc had an interesting conversation with Dan Tri reporter .

 

Tran Thanh Luc is happy with the first 3-cushion carom World Cup championship he won in his career (Photo: NVCC).

Win with a relaxed mind

Hello Thanh Luc, first of all, congratulations on winning the prestigious 3-cushion carom World Cup, how do you feel so far?

- When I scored the decisive point to win, I was so happy that I burst into tears. The feeling of conquering the pinnacle of glory is always indescribable, especially when this is the first time I won the 3-cushion carom World Cup. Any player dreams of winning this trophy and I am lucky to have done what I have dreamed of and longed for for so long.

It can be said that the recent 3-cushion carom final match with your opponent Tasdemir was an exciting chase between you and the Turkish player. Can you share the secret to this dramatic victory?

- It was a miracle that I was able to overcome many strong opponents to reach the final match of this tournament. It was even more miraculous that I won against Tasdemir to bring glory to Vietnamese billiards.

The Turkish player really played very well in the final. Although I was ahead many times, even at one point I was 13 points ahead of him, he still kept chasing and even narrowed the score to 47-49 (the final has a total of 50 points, the player who reaches 50 first wins).

Luckily I had the confidence to score the decisive point and win. If I had lost, I would have regretted it. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

Thanh Luc expressed his joy after defeating Tasdemir in the final match to be crowned "king" of the 3-cushion carom World Cup (Photo: NVCC).

Was Tasdemir your toughest opponent, having previously impressed by beating world number one Dick Jasers in the semi-finals?

- For me, all the players participating in the 3-cushion carom World Cup in Bogota (Colombia) are excellent, no opponent is easy to face. Just a little loss of concentration, a little subjectivity, carelessness will lead to my defeat. This has happened to me in many tournaments, so I always try and focus on each of my cues.

The reason I won against Dick Jasers in the semi-final was partly because I was mentally relaxed, because if I lost to him, it would be normal because he was at a higher level. But maybe because of the mental relaxation, I played well and won. Mental relaxation could also be a positive factor for me to play well in the final, because when there is no pressure, I and other players will also play at their best form.

What did you feel most satisfied with in your journey to win the 3-cushion World Cup championship in Bogota (Colombia) recently?

- It's the first time in my life that I won the World Cup, so there's nothing more wonderful. I feel happy to be the third Vietnamese, after Tran Quyet Chien and Tran Duc Minh, to win this prestigious title.

Besides this championship, can you share with Dan Tri readers what titles you have won in your career?

- My collection of domestic and international billiards titles is quite large, but the most recent is the 2023 Asian Championship runner-up, the 2024 World Championship runner-up. In previous years, I almost only finished second, people even teased me as "king of second place", but this year I was better, when I won the World Cup.

This championship makes me satisfied because my hard work and tireless efforts over the years have been well rewarded.

 

Don't idolize anyone, learn a little from everyone.

What chance brought you to billiards and what does this sport bring you that makes you most satisfied?

- I got acquainted with billiards since I was a child because my family had a billiards table. I played with friends and acquaintances in the neighborhood every day, but I was the most outstanding. I played amateur billiards since I was a child, and luckily my parents created conditions for me to develop my talent and pursue a professional career.

Every sport requires talent, but the most important thing is to practice hard every day. Talent is just a small part, effort is the key to success. I am satisfied with myself because I always set goals for myself to strive for.

You are the 3rd Vietnamese player to win the 3-cushion carom World Cup, who do you idolize in the world or Vietnam?

- Actually, I don't idolize anyone. For me, every player has their own style of play and way of playing that I like. I try to learn a little from each player.

After this championship, what tournaments are you aiming to participate in next in 2025?

- I still aim to win more national and international titles this year. I will try to participate in as many tournaments as possible, because each tournament helps me learn a lot of useful things.

Thanh Luc celebrates with Vietnamese friends and fans when winning the 2025 Carom 3-Cushion World Cup in Colombia (Photo: NVCC).

It is known that the World Carom Billiards Federation (UMB) banned many Vietnamese players from participating in UMB tournaments. Does this affect your achievements or goals?

- For me, the UMB ban does not have much impact, because in reality there are many international tournaments for me to participate in. I just try to improve myself every day, and there are many tournaments for Vietnamese players to choose from.

The world media has expressed admiration for your 3-cushion carom World Cup championship, what can you say about this?

- I haven't had time to see what the world media has written about me, but I just want to thank everyone who has followed and supported me so far. Your encouragement is the spiritual motivation for me to try my best in the competition.

Thank you Thanh Luc for this conversation and wish you continued success in the future!

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/co-thu-tran-thanh-luc-tiet-lo-ve-dieu-ky-dieu-khi-vo-dich-world-cup-20250304094752925.htm