In a surprising turn of events at the Phúc Thịnh Billiards Cup 2026, Phạm Điền Thanh, a technician at the billiards club, eliminated national runner-up Đoàn Minh Kiệt during the tournament's opening match. The tournament kicked off on August 22 at the Phúc Thịnh Billiards Club in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting nearly 250 players, including some of the best talents in Vietnam.

The Phúc Thịnh Billiards Cup is a prestigious event in the billiards calendar, offering a total prize pool of 100 million VND for the champion. The competition runs from August 22 to 27, featuring a series of qualifying rounds to select the top 16 players who will advance to the finals.

In the first match, Điền Thanh showcased remarkable skill, leading with a score of 21-9 against Minh Kiệt, a seasoned player and former national runner-up. Despite Minh Kiệt's efforts to close the gap, reducing the score to 23-26, Điền Thanh managed to secure the victory with a final score of 30-26 after 29 turns.

This victory was not only significant for Điền Thanh but also set the tone for the tournament, as he continued to perform well, securing three additional wins to advance to the finals. The tournament also saw impressive performances from other competitors, including Nguyễn Thành Thật, who is currently leading the "Vua Series" and "Best Game" categories.

Women players also made their mark in the opening day, with notable performances from talented female competitors, including Lê Thị Ngọc Huệ, who delivered a thrilling match against Nguyễn Trần Tuấn Quang, although she was ultimately eliminated in the next round.

The Phúc Thịnh Billiards Cup has gained popularity over the years and is known for its attractive prize structure. The champion will receive 100 million VND, while the runner-up will take home 40 million VND. The tournament continues to attract top players, contributing to the growing billiards scene in Vietnam.