The 27-year-old athlete from Gia Lai is the sole Vietnamese representative at the women’s world championship, held September 23-25 and organized annually by the Union Mondiale de Billard (UMB).
She earned her place by winning the national title at the Vietnam Billiards & Snooker Championship in June 2025.
Despite the honor, Liên Quỳnh must cover her own travel and accommodation costs in Spain, estimated at 100 million VND (about USD 3,900), a significant burden in a sport with limited funding in Vietnam. Support has come partly from the Ho Chi Minh City Billiards team, where she is a member, along with sponsorships from individuals and businesses.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a billiards athlete to compete at a prestigious world-class tournament,” Liên Quỳnh said before departing. “I have received support from my management, family, and sponsors, which allows me to take part.”
Liên Quỳnh, who previously became the first Vietnamese cueist to compete abroad in South Korea’s Professional Billiards Association (PBA), will now face 23 other top female players from countries including South Korea, Belgium, the Netherlands, Turkey, Colombia, and Spain.
Drawn into Group G, she will compete against Claudia Lalinde of Colombia and world No. 3 Estela Cardoso of Spain. Her opening match is scheduled against Cardoso at 1:00 p.m. local time on September 23.
Photo: Văn Thuận
The reigning national champion acknowledged the steep challenges ahead, citing travel fatigue, climate adjustment, and competing without close team support.
To prepare, she has focused on fitness, mental resilience, and technical improvements, while receiving advice from leading Vietnamese players Trần Quyết Chiến, Trần Thanh Lực, and Bao Phương Vinh.
Photo: Văn Thuận
Her coach and training partners expressed pride in her achievement. Đồng Ngọc Hiền, manager of Titan Billiards Center in Gia Lai, said: “She is diligent, hardworking, and always striving to improve. We hope she will showcase her abilities and bring honor to Vietnamese billiards.”
Regardless of the outcome, Liên Quỳnh’s participation marks a milestone for Vietnam, offering valuable experience as the country seeks greater recognition in the international billiards arena.