Philippine legend Efren Reyes’ dominance in the tour was cut short when he failed to take the inaugural Hong Kong leg title last month. He was defeated by Yang Ching Shun of Chinese Taipei 11-8 in the semifinals. Yang then won the title by edging his compatriot Hsia Hui Kai 11-9 in the final match. This is the second tour title for Yang - he won in Singapore last year. The current world number-eight player will be joined by former world youth champion Hsia Hui Kai, 1993 and 2000 world champion Chao Fong Pang, Chen Huang Wu, Kuo Po Cheng, 2002 national youth champion Wu Chia Ching, and Hung Lu Kung in the Leader Creative Center.

While two-leg champion Reyes failed to maintain his winning streak, he still managed to remain top o­n the Tour Order of Merit, followed by Chao Fong Pang and Yang Ching Shun. “The Magician” will lead a field of six Philippine players, which include current world number-one Francisco Bustamante, three-time runner-up in the tour Warren Kiamco, Lee Vann Corteza, Leonardo Andam, and Antonio Gabica.

Other players to watch include Hong Kong leg runner-up Park Shin Young of Korea and his compatriot current world number-nine Jeong Young Hwa, as well as Japanese Satoshi Kawabata, who has made three consecutive quarterfinals appearances in the tour in 2004.

For all information o­n the tour, please check out www.asian9-balltour.com. For the latest schedules and program information o­n ESPN STAR Sports, catch us o­n the net at www.espnstar.com.

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. In the Taipei leg, Olio is the official table. The 2004 tour has events in Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Manila. Besides total prize money of $250,000 USD, the top 10 o­n the Tour Order of Merit every year will directly qualify into the World Pool Championships.

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