Chao is Champion of Champions

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

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

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.