James Wattana will face China's Mei Xiwen in the final of the Asian Championships on Sunday in Tangshan after beating China Hong Kong's Au Chi Wai 6-4 in the semi finals. The Thai favourite first won the Asian Championships as a teenager back in 1995 and then again in 1997 before joining the main tour after his 1998 win in the IBSF World Championships and according to the ACBS website will now be rejoining the main tour after his exploits in this event, either as winner or as thier Wild Card nomination.
The final will see Wattana (Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm) face Mei Xiwen who defeated his Chinese counterpart Shi Hanqing in thier semi final encounter 6-3, after youngster Shi Hanging had a superb event which included a win against Wattana in the group stages.
Ratchapol Pu-Ob-Orm (Thailand) beat Au Chi Wai (Hong Kong China) 6-4 (67-35, 38-57, 79(61)-0, 66-45, 56-27, 43-59, 31-64, 22-54, 73-21, 71-51)
Mei Xiwen (China) beat Shi Hanqing (China) 6-3 (58-31, 71(62)-24, 35-65, 68-11, 69-44, 55-64, 71-62, 33-83, 77-40)
You can view the full knockout stage chart here (linked to ACBS Website)
Pictured is Wattana (right) with Au Chi Wai and the match referee Walled Al Mannai from Qatar
