In the final, Duong faced leading Spanish player Francisco Sanchez Ruiz. Up against the vastly experienced opponent, the Vietnamese cueist began confidently and capitalised on his opportunities to establish an early advantage. Displaying consistent form and precise cue-ball control, he maintained the initiative throughout to secure a 7–4 victory.
Midway through the match, Duong produced a series of pinpoint shots, demonstrating composure at crucial moments to edge closer to triumph. Despite one imperfect attempt on the nine-ball, he quickly regained focus to close out an impressive final.
The 2026 Premier League Pool took place in Florida, the US, from February 18 to 22, bringing together 16 of the world’s leading players in a high-intensity round-robin format.
On his path to the title, Duong maintained outstanding form, winning a succession of key matches against strong opponents including Moritz Neuhausen, Aloysius Yapp, Eklent Kaci, and Albert Januarta in the semi-finals.
The triumph in Miami marks Duong’s first Premier League Pool title and his second individual crown on the World Nineball Tour, following his victory at the Scottish Open in 2024.
The win further underlines the steady rise of Vietnamese billiards on the international stage and reflects the growing maturity and competitive mettle of the country’s players at elite tournaments.
Speaking after lifting the trophy, Duong expressed his emotion at overcoming a demanding campaign. He said he felt “extremely happy and deeply grateful”, noting that the tournament featured many of the world’s top cueists, requiring unwavering concentration in every rack.
He emphasised that the title was not only a personal achievement but also a shared source of pride for Vietnamese billiards and supporters back home. He added that representing the nation and securing victory on the international stage stands as one of the most memorable milestones of his career.
The 2026 Premier League Pool champion also voiced hope that the achievement would inspire a new generation of young Vietnamese players. He stressed that Vietnamese athletes possess strong competitive spirit and passion and are fully capable of reaching greater heights with systematic investment and professional training.
