The illustrious list of winners of the title of 3-cushion billiards world champion has been enriched by a completely new name. Phuong Vinh Bao, until recently a totally unknown billiard player from Vietnam, grabbed the 2023 world three cushion billiard title at the tournament held in Ankara, Turkey.
In a demonstration of skill and class, Tayfun Tasdemir has won the 2022 UMB 3-cushion world title. In Donghae City, South-Korea, he defeated Ruben Legazpi in a one-sided final: 50-14 in 15/14 innings. For Turkiye, it had been a nineteen-year wait since Semih Sayginer was world champion in 2003.
Pedro Piedrabuena defeated long-time rival and former champion Miguel Torres to win his 11th USBA 3-Cushion National Championship title.
His play throughout the event was nearly perfect and included an incredible come-from-behind victory against Kang Lee in the penultimate Semi-final round.
Bob Byrne - Author, player, teacher and friend remembered
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Robert "Bob" Byrne author, player and teacher of all things billiards. His seminal work "Byrne's Standard Book of Pool and Billiards" remains a classic to this day. In his life Byrne was loved by all and received many honors. in 1994 He received the Industry Service Award from the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America. in 2001 Byrne was inducted into the Billiards Hall of Fame. His wife Cindy was by his side to the end. Bob will be missed by players, readers and friends around the world. More stories and a picture gallery follows.
Tran Quyet Chien has found 2018 to be the perfect moment for reaching top form on the International 3-Cushion Billiard scene. Beginning in February when he won the Ho Chi Minh World Cup in front of thousands of adoring home town fans, to his most recent victory in the LG U+ Cup 3Cushion Masters, this talented young man proudly represents the future of 3-cushion billiards.
In a recent interview with Yonhap News Agency, World No. 1 ranked Torbjorn Blomdahl declared South Korea as a 3-cushion billiards utopia. With five World Union of Billiards (UMB) World Championships, nine European titles and 43 World Cup wins, Blomdahl is regarded as one of the greatest carom billiards players of his generation. He now lives near Stuttgart, Germany, but the three-time UMB Player of the Year feels South Korea is his real home.