2025 HANOI OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO BREAK OFF AS GLOBAL STARS GATHER IN HANOI

The 2025 Hanoi Open Pool Championship is set to commence tomorrow at the Vietnam National Sports Complex, following a pre-event media day featuring many of the world’s top players.

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Returning for its third edition under the World Nineball Tour and in partnership with Vietcontent, the Hanoi Open Pool Championship — taking place from 7–12 October — has quickly become one of the most anticipated events on the global pool calendar: a celebration of world-class talent, passionate fans, and Vietnam’s growing legacy as a hub for professional billiards.

With anticipation building ahead of the opening break, players gathered at today’s media junket to share their excitement for the week ahead.

Johann Chua, the defending champion who lifted his first Matchroom Major title in Hanoi last year, shared his excitement to return:

“Winning in Hanoi last year changed my career — and my life. The atmosphere, the crowd, the passion — it all pushed me to play my best pool. Coming back here as defending champion means a lot to me, and I’m ready to fight for the title again in front of these amazing fans.”

Duong Quoc Hoang, the home-country hero leading the charge for a first major Vietnamese victory, added:

“The Hanoi Open reminds us that Vietnam has everything it takes — passion, talent, and the will to rise. Every year, this event brings out the best in us and shows the world what Vietnamese pool can be. I’m proud to represent my country, and I’m ready to give everything on home soil.”

Fedor Gorst, the current World No.1, stated:

“I’m really happy to be back and to play the biggest event in Vietnam. I always enjoy competing in front of the amazing Vietnamese fans — the atmosphere here is truly special. Hopefully this time I can play the tournament all the way to the end.”

Jayson Shaw, former Hanoi Open Champion, commented:

“It’s great to be back in Hanoi. I was close last year, finishing fifth, and that just makes me hungrier this time. The fans here are unbelievable — it’s been packed every year, and I always play my best when the crowd’s electric. Hanoi delivers that energy, and I’m here to fight for that title again.”

Carlo Biado, reigning World Champion, praised the event’s rise:

“The Hanoi Open has grown so quickly — it’s now one of the most competitive and exciting tournaments in the world. I had a great run to the semifinals last year, and that experience made me appreciate just how strong the field is here. For players, it’s a true test of skill and focus. Vietnam has become a real home for pool, and I’m thrilled to return and challenge for the title once again.”

Aloysius Yapp, a three-time Major Champion fresh from a historic streak of consecutive Open titles, said:

“Every time I come to Hanoi, I’m reminded of how much this event has elevated our sport. The atmosphere and fans are special and like nowhere else in the world. The standard is high and you can feel the hunger from every player. I’ve had a strong run recently, and I want to keep that momentum going — but above all, I’m excited to compete on this incredible stage again.”

Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, a former world champion, said:

“I’m delighted to be back — the Hanoi Open is one of my favourite tournaments on the calendar. The atmosphere is always incredible, and I can’t wait to play in front of such a passionate crowd again.”

Mrs. Trần Thùy Chi, President and CEO of Vietcontent, reflected on the event’s continued success:

“The Hanoi Open Pool Championship is not only an international sporting event of the highest caliber but also one that carries a profound social purpose. Through this tournament, we aspire for sport to be more than just a stage for competition or entertainment — it should be a bridge that spreads positive energy and a spirit of compassion throughout the community. For us, the Hanoi Open Pool Championship is where world-class athletes come together, but more importantly, it is a platform that connects people, celebrates humanity, and reinforces the idea that sport can truly make life better.”

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, expressed her excitement ahead of the tournament’s third edition:

“I’m so excited to be back in Hanoi — this event holds a special place in my heart. Each day of the tournament brings more excitement, more drama, and more intensity. The Hanoi Open continues to grow every year; it gets bigger, better, and more thrilling with each edition. It’s incredible to see how this championship has become one of the standout events on the World Nineball Tour, paving the way for the sport not just in Asia but across the globe.

This year’s field is our largest yet, with over 40 nationalities represented and 68 players from the host nation — a true testament to the passion and rapid growth of pool in Vietnam. Get ready — this week in Hanoi is going to be something special.”

Building on the success of its second edition, this year’s tournament promises to be even more thrilling, boasting a $200,000 prize fund and a 256-player field, including 128 WNT Pros. Over 40 nationalities are represented across the draw, with 68 players from host nation Vietnam, once again confirming Hanoi’s reputation as one of the sport’s most vibrant and diverse stages.

Fans around the world can catch every moment of the 2025 Hanoi Open Pool Championship live through international broadcast partners, with six days of world-class action reaching audiences across the USA, Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Broadcast Partners

Full Event Coverage (7–12 October):

WNT TV – International (all territories not listed below)
Vietnam Billiards promotion youtube channel– Vietnam and VTVcab channel
Sportklub – Croatia & Ex-Yugoslavia (Non-Exclusive)

Final Two Days Only (11–12 October):

Fox Sports – Australia (Non-Exclusive)
Nova – Czech Republic & Slovakia
Sportcast – Taiwan (Non-Exclusive)
Rigour – China
Sky Network – New Zealand
Viaplay – Iceland, Netherlands, Scandinavia

Table Coverage

Table 1 will be the main TV table for international broadcast partners (see above).
Tables 2 will be shown exclusively on WNT TV, giving fans extended access to more world-class matchups.
Table 3 will be streamed for free on the Matchroom Pool YouTube channel, so fans can enjoy even more Hanoi Open action online.

Fans outside the listed broadcast regions can watch the full event live and on demand on WNT TV.

Apart from the main TV tables, nine additional tables will be broadcast on partner channels in Vietnam under the authorisation of the Organizing Committee during the first four days of the event.

Don’t miss your chance to witness history – tickets are available now.

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