Chao wins Brunei Invitational

Sunday, September 11, 2005

chao_fong-pang_09 Fong-Pang Chao captured his second major invitational event in the last 30 days by defeating reigning World Champion Chia-Ching Wu 13-8 in the finals of the 2nd Annual Brunei Invitational Cup.

Chao, who lost in the finals to Muhamad Junarto last year, started the day with an 11-6 win over the lone non-Taiwanese player left in the event, Gandy Valle.

Meanwhile, Chia-Ching Wu was facing off against his World Championship final opponent Po Cheng Kuo. Just as he did in the finals of the World Championship, Kuo took an early lead. Kuo was up 7-4, but was kept in his seat as Wu won seven of the next nine games for the 11-9 win.

The finals between Chao and Wu started close with the players tied at 4-4. Chao then took control and won five straight games for a 9-4 lead. Chao got to the hill at 12-8 and then made the 9-ball on the break in the 21st rack for the win.

Combined with Chao's win at the International Challenge of Champions last month, he was won $60,000 in the last 30 days.

Final Four Payouts:
1st Fong Pang Chao $10,000
2nd Chia Ching Wu $5,000
3rd Po-Cheng Kuo $2,500
4th Gandy Valle $1,500

Chao is Champion of Champions

Friday, August 12, 2005

Taiwanese Superstar Fong-Pang Chao earned his 3rd career Challenge of Champions win on Thursday at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.

The final match came down to Chao against defending champion Thomas Engert from Germany. Chao came into the final match with wins over Corey Deuel and Niels Feijen, while Engert had wins over Efren Reyes and Gabe Owen on his way to the finals.

The first set of the finals was close with Chao pulling out a hill-hill win, but the second set highlighted a more dominating Chao as he cruised to a 5-1 win and the first place prize of $50,000.

Most of the players that competed in the event were on their way to New York for the Big Apple 9-Ball Classic that kicked off today.

Engert vs Chao for $50,000

Thursday, August 11, 2005

chao_fong-pang_07 Thomas Engert moved one stop closer to defending his International Challenge of Champions title this afternoon when he eliminated Gabe Owen 5-4 and 5-3. The only player left standing between Engert and another $50,000 check is Fong-Pang Chao from Taiwan.

Engert eliminated Efren Reyes on Wednesday with a thrilling table run in sudden death and then moved on to his match with Owen today. Owen eliminated Japanese star Yoshihiro Kitatani on Wednesday.

Chao looked like he would be watching the finals from the bleachers today, but a miss on the 6-ball in the sudden death game by Niels Feijen allowed Chao back to the table and he took full advantage.

If Engert wins, it will be his second straight Challenge of Champions win. Chao is looking for his third win.

The Challenge of Champions is sponsored by Olhausen Billiards and Viking Cues.

Chao defeats Deuel at Challenge of Champions

Wednesday, August 10, 2005

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The US contingent at the 2005 International Challenge of Champions was cut in half this evening as Corey Deuel lost 5-2 and 5-3 to two time Challenge of Champions winner Fong-Pang Chao.

Chao will face Niels Feijen in the second round on Thursday, while defending US Open Champion Gabe Owen will wait on the final match today to learn his opponent for tomorrow. The final match today will see defending champion Thomas Engert facing 'The Magician' Efren Reyes.

The Challenge of Champions is sponsored by Olhausen Billiards and Viking Cues. For the duration of the Challenge of Champions, get 25% off all Viking cues in our online marketplace.

Chao qualifies for Challenge final

Sunday, May 8, 2005

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Taiwanese sensation Fong-Pang Chao became the first player to earn a spot in today's Challenge of Champions final match, but he got some help from Niels Feijen to do it.

Feijen came out strong early and won the first set 5-1, but Chao then took control and won the second set 5-0 to force a sudden death single game tiebreaker.

It appeared to be smooth sailing for Feijen in the tie-breaker when a miss on a routine 6-ball gave Chao all the opportunity he needed to close out the set.

Chao will now wait for his opponent, the winner between defending champion Thomas Engert and US Open champion Gabe Owen.