Eddy Merckx once again proved why he is known as the ‘king of finals’ in the 3-cushion billiards world. At the 3C Porto Matosinhos World Cup 2026, held from July 12 to 19 at Pavilhao da Bataria, Complexo Desportivo Leca da Palmeira in Matosinhos, Portugal, the legendary Belgian cueist brilliantly claimed the title by defeating South Korea’s Jung Han Heo in the final match.
This was an incredibly impressive victory for Merckx. He navigated the group stage and knockout rounds with consistent form, utilizing his vast experience and nerves of steel during crucial moments. Official results show Merckx taking the championship and Jung Han Heo finishing as the runner-up, while the two third-place spots belonged to Thai Hong Chiem of Vietnam and Berkay Karakurt of Turkey.
The Journey of the 'King of Finals'
Merckx was a top seed and is always highly rated for his ability to perform steadily under pressure. In World Cup history, he is famous for his incredible record in final matches, often claiming convincing wins even against young and highly talented opponents. His triumph in Porto further solidifies this reputation, adding yet another prestigious trophy to his extensive personal collection.
The Porto 2026 tournament gathered over 139 players from numerous countries. After intense qualifying rounds, the main draw featured the 32 strongest cueists. Merckx overcame tough opponents in his group before advancing deep into the knockout stage. His final match against Jung Han Heo was a masterclass in experience: he perfectly controlled the pace of the game, capitalized on his opportunities, and maintained absolute focus.
Context and Global Impact
- Porto as a familiar destination: The Portuguese city serves as a ‘second home’ for many European cueists, boasting a rich tradition of hosting premium billiards events. Merckx himself has delivered memorable performances here in the past.
- Vietnamese milestones: Thai Hong Chiem winning the bronze medal continues to affirm the strength of Vietnamese billiards on the world map. Other players like Tran Quyet Chien also put up notable fights, even if they did not advance to the final stages.
This victory is not just a personal milestone for Eddy Merckx, but also a striking reminder to the global billiards community about the enduring value of experience and mental fortitude. Even as emerging talents from South Korea, Turkey, and Vietnam continue to improve rapidly, the ‘king of finals’ still knows exactly how to seize the throne at the most critical moments.
Congratulations to Eddy Merckx – the well-deserved champion of the Porto Matosinhos World Cup 2026!