Duong Quoc Hoang aims for world 10-ball title on home turf

By Omar Rahman • 19 September 2026, 01:43 • 3 mins read

Vietnamese billiards standout Duong Quoc Hoang, known as Hoang Sao, will compete for a two billion dong winner's prize at the 2026 World 10-Ball Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, facing a field of 200 players from 40 countries.

Two billion dong. That's the winner's prize at the 2026 World 10-Ball Championship in Ho Chi Minh City, and Vietnam's Duong Quoc Hoang-better known as Hoang Sao-wants to claim it.

Hoang Sao, Vietnam's top-ranked cueist, enters the tournament as a serious contender and hopes to turn home advantage into a breakthrough win. The event runs from September 19 to 26 at Phu Tho Sports Hall, drawing about 200 players from 40 countries and regions. The total prize pool is 500,000 US dollars, with 80,000 dollars (about two billion dong) going to the champion.

For the second consecutive year, Ho Chi Minh City is hosting the WPA Men's 10-Ball World Championship, highlighting Vietnam's growing reputation as a premier venue for international pool tournaments.
Tuổi Trẻ Online

The World 10-Ball Championship is known for its tough format, demanding both technical skill and mental stamina. Hoang Sao has said he's proud and excited to represent Vietnam, and he's promised to give everything for a shot at the title. According to Vietnamnet, he's widely seen as one of Vietnam's best hopes. The tournament's official name is the "Iwan Simonis WPA Men's 10-Ball World Championship."

Alongside the main event, the championship week includes the Poison Saigon Open for women (9-ball) and the Box Billiards Mixed Doubles Open, adding more international competition. All matches will be broadcast live on the Vietnam Box Billiards Federation's official channels, so fans across the country can follow every match.

The tournament is organized by the World Pool-Billiard Association, Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Culture and Sports, the Vietnam Billiards and Snooker Federation, the Ho Chi Minh City Billiards and Snooker Federation, Box Billiards, and Predator Group. This joint effort reflects Vietnam's growing role as a host for major international cue sports events, as seen in recent coverage of Vietnamese players competing abroad. Tuổi Trẻ Online confirms that more than 200 players from over 40 countries and territories are registered, making this one of the most diverse and competitive fields in the event's history.

At the time of the latest reports on September 18, 2026, the tournament was still in its pre-event phase, with independent media confirming all organizational details and dates. The event is a joint effort by the WPA, Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Culture and Sports, VBSF, HBSF, Box Billiards, and Predator Group, reflecting a broad coalition behind Vietnam's international cue sports ambitions.
Vietnamnet

With top players from around the world coming to Ho Chi Minh City and a record prize at stake, the 2026 World 10-Ball Championship will test both individual skill and the organizational strength of Vietnam's cue sports community. Hoang Sao's run will be closely watched, not just for national pride but as a sign of Vietnam's growing presence in global pool. The scale of the event and the ambition of its leading player show that Vietnamese cue sports are ready to compete for the sport's highest honors.

UAE CUE Sports Desk

Omar Rahman

Omar Rahman is a UAE-based cue sports editor covering snooker, pool and billiards, with a focus on tournaments, rankings, rules, coaching, equipment and playing opportunities. His reporting is practical and detail-focused, helping readers understand both competitive pathways and the everyday realities of playing cue sports in the Emirates.