Pattaya Open offers nearly 1 billion in prize money for players achieving a feat, Duong Quoc Hoang sends a signal

The Pattaya Open 2026 is capturing Asia's billiards community's attention after the organizing committee revealed an extraordinary reward of 900 million VND for any competitor who achieves a perfect 9-ball run during this year's event.

Pattaya Open 2026 posts a massive bounty for the perfect 9-ball run achievement

A 9-ball run refers to consecutively scoring 9 points in a single turn (a 9-point series) without losing the inning. This is considered one of the boldest challenges ever introduced at a professional system event, enough to make even the most seasoned players think twice. In practice, achieving a 9-ball run is already a highly challenging goal. Stepping into the official competitive environment with the pressure from spectators, scores, and rankings makes that task exponentially more difficult.

Many players admit that winning the championship can sometimes be more realistic than completing a perfect series in an atmosphere tense as a tightrope. However, it is precisely this enormous reward and bold idea that creates a special allure, turning this year's Pattaya Open into a stage for grand ambitions.

The year 2026 also marks a significant milestone as Thailand hosts for the first time an official scoring event of the World Nineball Tour system under the patronage of Matchroom. The appearance of a global ranking system tournament in Pattaya not only elevates the status of Thai billiards but also puts this coastal city on the world pool map.

The tournament takes place from March 2 to 6, 2026, at S1 Pool Hall & Sports Bar, gathering 160 international players competing for a prize fund of approximately 1 billion VND. The participation of a lineup of top stars promises to deliver elite cue battles and a vibrant atmosphere throughout the week.

Amid the international stars, the name Duong Quoc Hoang has become the focus of attention for Vietnamese fans. Carrying destructive form from tournaments in the US to Thailand, "Star Hoang" had a debut that could not have been more impressive. Facing local player Tammavirote, he displayed near-absolute coolness and precision to close the match with a convincing 9-0 victory. No opportunities were given to the opponent in the one-sided contest.

This dominant victory secures Duong Quoc Hoang a spot in the winners' qualification bracket, expanding his chances to advance deeper in the tournament. Meanwhile, Tammavirote still has a chance to recover after dropping to the losers' bracket, where the pressure and challenges will be even fiercer.