WORLD'S BEST SET FOR 10TH EDITION OF CATHAY PACIFIC / STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

Hong Kong, August 31: England will be aiming to retain their title when they take to the field in the 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

Boasting a prize fund of US$260,000, the 10th edition of the world's premier Sixes tournament will be hosted by the Kowloon Cricket Club (KCC) on November 6-7.

The all-action short form version of the game has been thrilling the SAR crowds since its inception in 1992 and Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA) officials are confident that this year will be the best yet.

"The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes is the outstanding event of its kind in the world," said Mike Walsh, chairman of the HKCA.

"We are expecting another high quality international sporting event that will attract top players and global exposure for the tournament and for Hong Kong. We are indebted to the continuing support of our title sponsors, Cathay Pacific Airways and Standard Chartered Bank," said Walsh.

England, tournament winners in 1993, 1994 and 2003, are primed to send a strong squad once more. However, they are sure to be pushed hard by teams representing Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong, Kenya and South Africa, winners of the Plate competition last year.

Tournament organisers are currently in negotiations for the West Indies to complete the eight-nation line-up. The West Indies took part in the first six editions of the Hong Kong Sixes, fielding strong teams including the likes of Brian Lara and Carl Hooper. They were tournament winners in 1996 and last competed in 1997.

Due to heavy international and domestic schedules in October and November, both Australia and New Zealand declined invitations to participate in Hong Kong this year.

In the climax to a spectacular weekend of cricket at the KCC last year, England scored a comprehensive 21-run Cup final victory over traditional rivals Pakistan, the tournament's only four-time champions.

Terry Smith, president of the HKCA, said: "Last year was a truly marvellous event – the best in the tournament's history. Our aim is to improve on that this year."

Tickets for the 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are available from September 1. 'Early bird' two-day ticket prices have been set at HK$350 for adults and HK$200 for children under the age of 15. From October 16, the price will increase to HK$450 for adults.

Games are played in five-over innings, with each team member, other than the wicketkeeper, bowling one over. The eight competing teams are split into two groups of four and will play each other on a round-robin basis on day one.

The top two teams in each pool will progress to the Cup competition knockout stages, while the bottom two teams in each of the pools will compete for the Plate.