Adding to the stakes is the total prize money purse of $250,000 USD up for grabs o­n this regional tour, which started in Singapore (February 28-29) and featured subsequent stops in Ho Chi Minh City (March 13-14), Hong Kong (April 17-18), Taipei (May 7-9) and Manila (May 28-30). The main draw includes 32 top Asian players from 12 countries/ regions.

Efren “Bata” Reyes continues his dominance o­n the tour, as he has won four of the six legs held so far. His latest title was in Taipei earlier this month. He beat Busan Asian Games 9-Ball bronze medalist and current world number-nine Jeong Young Hwa of Korea in the final 12-10 to clinch his third leg title of 2004 Tour.

Reyes also occupies the top in the players’ ranking in the tour, followed by two-time world champion Chao Fong Pang of Chinese Taipei. Warren Kiamco is ranked third, and Hong Kong leg champion Yang Ching Shun is currently at fourth.

The Manila event will be the last chance for Francisco Bustamante to win a qualifying berth in the World Pool Championship, as he currently sits at 11th. Another two Philippine players, Antonio Gabica and Lee Van Corteza, also face a similar situation in that the Manila leg is their last chance to qualify.

Challengers from Chinese Taipei will be led by Chao Fong Pang and Hong Kong leg runner-up Hsia Hui Kai. The other contenders include Hung Lu Kung, Chao Shih Fan, Wu Chia Ching, and Chang Jung Lin.

And don’t ignore the Korean pair Park Shin Young and Jeong Young Hwa, as well as Japanese ace Satoshi Kawabata. The tour will also feature the first sibling players in the shape of brothers Au Chi Wai and Au Siu Wai from Hong Kong.

Sanctioned by the Asian Pocket Billiard Union, the San Miguel Asian 9-Ball Tour is organized by ESPN STAR Sports’ Event Management Group (EMG). San Miguel Beer is the title sponsor for the Tour. Iwan Simonis and Aramith supply the official tablecloth and official balls respectively. STAR Sports is the official broadcaster. The 2004 Manila leg is also supported by Puyat Sports as the local co-organizer and Robinsons Galleria as the official venue provider. The 2004 Tour have five legs in Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Manila. Besides total prize money of $250,000 USD, top 10 o­n the Tour Order of Merit every year will directly qualify into the World Pool Championships.

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