Taiwanese ace Fong-Pang Chao, still smarting from his semifinal defeat in the 1999 World Pool Championship, moved a step closer to making amends Sunday afternoon in Cardiff, Wales, when he held of the challenge of American Corey Deuel in the semifinals to win, 11-9. Chao will meet Mexico's Ismael Paez Sunday evening to determine the 2000 World Pool-Billiard Association champion.

Chao overcame an early 3-0 deficit to forge a 9-4 lead before Deuel mounted a comeback reminiscent of Sunday's first semfinal, in which Paez fought back from 9-3 down to defeat American Earl Strickland, 11-9. The 22-year-old Deuel pulled to within 9-7 and 10-9 before relinquishing the table to Chao after an empty break in the final game.

"I should have changed my break," said the bitterly disappointed American. "I wasn't having any luck with it, but I didn't change. It's so disappointing, because if I played even decent, I win the match. I have to miss a lot of opportunities to lose, and I did. I feel sick. I still can't believe I lost. The plane ride home is going to be torture."

Chao will be making his first return to the world championship finale since winning the title in 1993. In 1999, Chao lost in the semifinal to countryman Hoa-Ping Chang.

Deuel earned $15,000 for his third-place finish. Chao is guaranteed $30,000 in the finals, and could earn $60,000 if he wins his second world title. Additionally, Asian officials said Chao will earn a 3 million Taiwanese Dollar ($90,000) bonus from the government for the title.

Semifinal No.2 - July 9

Fong-Pang Chao (TAI) def. Corey Deuel (USA) - 11-9