Chen, Kim seal title clash

MANILA, Philippines - Chinese Siming Chen outplayed compatriot Xiao Fang Fu, 9-6, last night to arrange a showdown with Ga Young Kim of South Korea for the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship at Robinsons Galleria.

Kim, who has won the other major titles but not the world 10-ball, disposed of Yu Ram Cha, 9-5, in an all-Korean semifinal to clinch the other championship berth.

“I’ve won everything there is to win except the World 10-Ball Championship. That’s why I want to win this more than anything else,” said Kim.

But Chen is out to foil her bid.

“This is a big deal to me. I’ll be honest, I want to win this more than any title I’ve ever won or played for in my life,” said Chen through an interpreter.

Chen earlier edged Ho Yun Chan of Taiwan, 8-7, while Kim trounced 2010 World 10-ball queen Jasmin Ouschan of Austria, 8-5.

Fu, on the other hand, outclassed Sha Sha Liu of China, 8-6, and Cha nipped L.H. Shan of Taiwan, 8-4.

Shan outclassed last Filipino hopeful Rubilen Amit, 8-2, in their Last 16 duel.

Amit held off 13-year-old wonder Cheska Centeno in the first round of the knockout stage but struggled against Shan, dropping out of the title race in the event she ruled four years ago.

The other Filipino bet Iris Ranola groped for form in her group play and failed to advance.