‘Chalkgate’ Sparks Debate as Duong Holds Off Shaw Fightback in Da Nang
Jayson Shaw erased a 12-rack deficit in the 120-rack showmatch but his repeated cue-ball cleaning requests stole the headlines.
A high-stakes marathon at the Peri Pool Arena in Da Nang has turned theatrical: Jayson Shaw's repeated requests to clean the cue ball — quickly dubbed 'chalkgate' — overshadowed a stirring fightback against Duong Quoc Hoang in their race-to-120 challenge match.
The score after two days
Shaw trailed by 12 racks before catching fire midway through day two, stringing together a dozen racks to level at 45-45. Duong eventually emerged from the dogfight still in front, 60-56, at the midpoint of the contest. Two sessions remain, with play continuing until one player reaches 90 racks.
What is 'chalkgate'?
Virtually every time Duong left the table, Shaw instructed the referee to wipe the cue ball. The frequency of the stoppages stunned commentators and the packed crowd, and sparked debate over whether the Scotsman was employing sharking tactics to disrupt Duong's rhythm.
Shaw's defence
Shaw took to social media to defend himself: "Duong is using black Turning Point chalk. It's all over the cues. It's crazy how much chalk is on the cue ball; that's why I want it cleaned." Event organisers confirmed on the broadcast that visible chalk residue had indeed been coating the ball.
Duong has been a Turning Point ambassador since 2024 and has used the chalk throughout his season, including his Premier League Pool triumph earlier this year.
Who is winning Duong vs Shaw?
Duong Quoc Hoang leads Jayson Shaw 60-56 at the midpoint of their race-to-120 challenge match in Da Nang, Vietnam.
What is the 'chalkgate' controversy?
Shaw repeatedly asked the referee to clean the cue ball, claiming black chalk residue from Duong's Turning Point cue chalk was coating the ball. Critics called it a sharking tactic.
When does the match end?
The race-to-120 resumes for two more sessions, with day three playing until one player reaches 90 racks.
