Billiards

SEA Games silver medallist Đỗ Hoàng Quân of Việt Nam is one of first 16 athletes qualified for the international Peri 9-ball Open Championship and Hà Nội Open Championship. — Photos of Vietcontent

HÀ NỘI — More than 300 cueists have taken part in the qualifications of the Peri 9-ball Open Championship and Hà Nội Open Championship.

The qualifications are taking place over three days to find the best 16 from each day. They will then play in the final rounds.

The Hanoi Open Pool Championship will feature 256 players including some of the world's elite. Among them are the world top 128 based on the latest World 9-Ball Tour ranking such as Francesco Sanchez Ruiz of Spain, Shane Van Boening of the US, Joshua Filler of Germany, Jayson Shaw of Scotland and Fedor Gorst of Russia.

Qualifying already include former SEA Games champion Nguyễn Phúc Long and former SEA Games silver medallist Đỗ Hoàng Quân, both of Việt Nam, prodigy Albert James Manas of the Philippines and former International Challenge of Champions Lee Kun-Fang of Chinese Taipei.

Lee Kun-Fang of Chinese Taipei competing in the qualifier.

The tournament, which was first named Asian Open Pool Championship, will be held from October 10-15 at the Indoor Athletics Complex in Hà Nội.

A total of US$200,000 is offered as prize money with the winner walking away with $30,000.

It is the first time a world elite event has been held in this country which has seen a booming development of billiards that attracted the attention of Matchroom Pool.

The lucrative ranking Peri 9-ball Open with US$104,000 in prize money, will take place on October 5-9 at the Peri Pool Arena.

It features 128 world's best pool players including 64 in the World Nine Ball Tour' top group and 64 qualification winners.

It is the penultimate ranking event for the Race to Mosconi Cup automatic selection for teams before they take part in the conclusion of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship final a week later. The qualifiers of the Peri 9-ball Open are allowed to register to compete at the Hanoi championship.

The tournaments are jointly organised by Matchroom, the world leader in hosting, promoting and broadcasting nine-ball pool, Hà Nội People's Committee and Vietcontent. — VNS