‘Little Genius’ Set To Light Up Meet
By James Kon

Bandar Seri Begawan - Sixteen-year-old Wu Chia Ching may be the youngest participant in the upcoming Brunei 9-Ball Pool Invitational 2005 but he is not a cueist to be underestimated especially when he surprised the world by grabbing the 2005 Kaohsiung Junior World Pool Championship title in July.

The gutsy and fearless young potter of Taiwan 9-ball pool circuit came from behind to defeat his compatriot Po-Cheng Kuo 17-16 in a thrilling final encounter and set the record as the youngest-ever World Pool Champion.

Wu dedicated his glory to his grandmother Chu-chi Lin, who inspired him on the path to stardom.

"I proved myself to my grandmother," he said. "I showed that I can do it because of the help she gave me."

Known as the "Little Genius", Wu's favourite player is Efren Reyes of the Philippines.

Besides winning the 2005 Kaohsiung Junior World Pool Championship title, Wu's achievements include being runner-up in the Asian Tour Singapore, third in Asian Tour Jakarta, 2001 President Cup Junior champion, 2004 National Pro Tour runner-up, 2004 National School Championship champion and 21104 San Miguel Asian Tour Philippines semi-finalist.

However, the Brunei 9-Ball Invitational Cup 2005 tournament is a totally different ball game altogether for the rising star who is ranked No. 24 in the World Pool Billiard Association.

In the tournament, Wu will face the might of his idol world rank No. 3 Efren Reyes (The Magician), Mohammad Junarto, the defending champion as well as his compatriot Chao Fong Pang (Cold Face Killer), world ranked No. 25 and the man, he defeated in the 2005 Kaohsiung Junior World Pool Championship final, Po-Cheng Kuo.

Wu would not be participating in the `Brunei Trick Shot' Master' scheduled to take place at GHK Motor Showroom at 9am on Sept 9, giving him ample time to prepare for the main tournament proper the same day.

Die-hard fans of 9-ball pool are urged to come in full force to watch their idols in action at the Brunei 9-Ball Pool Invitational 2005 from Sept 9-11 at the National Indoor Stadium starting at 2.30pm. Admission is free. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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