Included in the APBU count, though, are three Filipino stars who are better known for their play in the U.S.: Francisco Bustamante, Rodolfo Luat and Efren Reyes. Reyes was given a bid from the APBU, Bustamante was awarded a wild-card entry from the WPA while Luat replaced Rafael Martinez of Mexico at the 11th hour. Luat's presence has proven lethal: earlier this afternoon, Luat eliminated Nick Varner, 13-12. The Asian federation has also been the most resilient, with only three other players eliminated besides Fong.

The most disappointing showing has been recorded by the Europeans. Twenty players representing the European Pocket Billiard Federation won spots into the World Championships, and as of this evening, only eight remain. Among those are Souquet and 1995 World Champ Oliver Ortmann.

The entire five-player Australasian contingent watched its hopes die with Louis Condo Jr.'s loss in the hill match to Shuli Nagata of Japan. Nagata finished off Condo in dramatic fashion, kicking the cue ball cross table into the far rail and back for a 1-9 combination into the near pocket.

Finally, 10 players representing North America still remain, including Edgardo Ramirez from Puerto Rico. Amongst the U.S. players, five are playing for the PBT, three represent Professional Cue-Sports Association and Danny Diliberto hung on against Yi Byung Sup, 13-10, to carry the Seniors' flag.