Never giving up dreams, says billiard world champion

World champion at the age of 28, holding a master's degree in economics and applied econometrics from Monash University (Australia), player Bao Phuong Vinh is a role model for young people to follow: Learn when you can gain knowledge while still living with your own passion.

Player Bao Phuong Vinh takes a souvenir photo with his father, Bao Thanh Phuong, who always accompanies him in all large and small tournaments at home and abroad (photo provided by the player)

Knowing and playing billiards since 2006 in 3-cushion carom with such passion, young man Bao Phuong Vinh, living in Tan Phuoc Khanh ward in Tan Uyen city, only plays for entertainment every summer vacation for a period of time. During the main period of the school years, Phuong Vinh's top priority is still studying. For Phuong Vinh, achieving very high scores is the standard measure of a person's success, which is the reason why the boy born in 1995 always achieved high results in 12 years of study, holding a master's degree in economics and applied econometrics when he just turned 25.

For those who know Bao Phuong Vinh, it was thought that the day he went to Australia to study his passion for billiards would end. But from Australia, after spending hours in the lecture hall to supplement his knowledge, he still silently followed the progress of the Vietnamese billiards. When witnessing his senior Tran Quyet Chien crowned at the 2018 world championship carom billiards tournament right at home, Phuong Vinh also set a goal that he could also do it. And then, he defeated his senior to reach the top of glory on the evening of September 10 in Ankara, Türkiye.

“The dream of winning the world championship and the passion for 3-cushion carom billiards have never been extinguished in me. While studying for a master's program in Australia, I kept following the progress of Vietnamese billiards. I realized that if I play well, compete well, and win glory, this sport will absolutely help me earn a very good income, and I can live a healthy life with billiards if I reap glory," said Bao Phuong Vinh about nurturing his own dreams.

In Bao Phuong Vinh's success, in addition to his own efforts, the support of his family and the companionship of individuals and units are also the decisive factors that helped him reach the pinnacle of his career. The trips away from home, in addition to the support of parents, the sponsorship gifts from accompanying businesses are valuable cue cards, expensive living expenses abroad are a motivating gift. A huge spiritual boost, helping Bao Phuong Vinh gain confidence and bravery to overcome psychological barriers and reach the top of glory. "Never give up your passion" is the motto that Bao Phuong Vinh always reminds himself in the journey of living and accompanying billiards.

Reported by Thai Hai – Translated by Vi Bao