The Tuesday morning match between the world's number two player (Cho) and number three (Quyet Chien) was a dramatic, point-for-point affair. With the score tied at 37-37, the Vietnamese player scored two consecutive points and had a chance to seal the victory. After Quyet Chien's shot, the South Korean opponent started to stand up to shake hands.

Tran Quyet Chien at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 11/8/2025. Photo: World Games

Tran Quyet Chien at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan, China, 11/8/2025. Photo: World Games

However, Quyet Chien's cue ball missed the target ball by mere millimeters. He leaned back in disappointment, muttering to himself. The South Korean player didn't capitalize on this opportunity, ultimately winning 40-39.

This victory sends Cho to the final against either Martin Horn or Sameh Sidhom. Quyet Chien will compete for the bronze medal against the loser of the Horn-Sidhom match. This will be his last opportunity to win his first medal in World Games history.

Yesterday, wushu secured Vietnam's first medals at the 2025 World Games, with two silver and one bronze. Do Huy Hoang lost to the host nation's Tang Si Shac in the men's under 56kg final, earning a silver medal. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy also fell short against host competitor Li Zhi Qin in the women's under 60kg final. Ngo Thi Phuong Nga defeated Filipino opponent Krizan Faith Collado in the women's under 52kg bronze medal match.

These results placed Vietnam on the medal table as of 10 a.m. today, tied for 41st place with the Czech Republic. Host nation China leads with 18 gold medals, followed by Germany with 15. Thailand is the highest-ranked Southeast Asian nation, holding the 12th position with four gold medals. Indonesia and Malaysia have also each won at least one gold medal.

Vietnam also has medal hopes in the wushu performance events, with Nong Van Huu, Duong Thuy Vi, and Dang Tran Phuong Nhi.

The World Games, held every four years since 1981, are organized by the International World Games Association (IWGA) under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This year's event, taking place from 7/8 to 17/8 in Chengdu, Sichuan (China), brings together around 4,000 athletes competing for 256 medals across 34 sports.

Xuan Binh