The Asian Confederation of Billiard Sports (ACBS) has banned Vietnamese billiards officials, players, and coaches from participating in Asian and international tournaments for six months from June 13, 2024 to January 12, 2025.

With the decision sent to the Vietnam Billiards & Snooker Federation (VBSF), Vietnamese billiards players are not allowed to take part in the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, slated for November in Thailand. 

The decision was made as Vietnam organized the Hanoi Open Pool Championship (previously called Asian Open Pool Championship) in Hanoi in October last year without permission from ACBS, regardless of the confederation’s repeated warnings.

The tournament was green-lighted by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports. It is not a part of the tournament system of the World Pool Association and ACBS, according to VBSF’s press release.

In July 2023, ACBS informed VBSF that the Asian Open Pool Championship violated its regulations.

The issues cited were the inclusion of the word 'Asian' in the tournament's name and the participation of players from more than two countries. ACBS did not approve the organization of the tournament.

In August 2023, VBSF suggested the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports adjust the name of the tournament to meet the regulations.

In September last year, VBSF proposed the department reconsider the licensing of the tournament.

However, the department decided to maintain the name 'Asian Open Pool Championship' and hold the tournament, VBSF claimed.

At the time, ACBS agreed not to impose sanctions.

In 2024, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports licensed the organization of the tournament this year under the name 'Hanoi Open Pool Championship.'

ACBS announced that it would impose a suspension on VBSF if the case was not handled before May 23, VBSF’s press release said.

As nothing changed, ACBS handed down the punishment to VBSF.

However, the decision is applicable to pool and snooker categories, not carom.

As a result, Vietnam is still allowed to host the 2024 World Three-Cushion Championship in September in south-central Binh Thuan Province for the first time, as confirmed by the Union Mondiale de Billard - UMB, according to VBSF’s press release.

The Union Mondiale de Billard - UMB (World Union of Billiards) is the world governing body for carom billiard games.

VBSF general secretary Doan Tuan Anh told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Tuesday that the ACBS did not mention carom in its decision and it manages only pool and snooker tournaments.

Therefore, Vietnamese players, such as Tran Quyet Chien, Bao Phuong Vinh, and Tran Thanh Luc, can join carom tournaments as normal.

Nevertheless, VBSF must review and reorganize its operation, Anh added.

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