Wu, 16, is youngest world pool champ

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan – Sixteen- year-old Wu Chia-ching came from behind to beat fellow countryman Kuo Po-cheng, 17 - 16, to capture the 2005 Kaohsiung World Pool Champion in a thrilling encounter here at the Kaohsiung Business Exhibition Center late Sunday.

Despite losing an early lead and looking dead and buried at 16 - 12 down, the teenager from Taipei County became the youngest ever World Pool Champion as he held himself together superbly throughout the match. He also became the first Taiwanese player to win the title since Chao Fong Pang in 2000.

Just when he needed it, though the boy nicknamed ‘Little Genius’ found an extra gear and ran five consecutive racks to claim victory and the $75,000 top prize.

Wu, who beat Filipino bet Marlon Manalo, 11 - 5, during the semifinals, broke down in tears when the magnitude of his achievement sunk in. He was consoled by his grandmother to whom he dedicated his victory.

Kuo, who was a bronze medalist this time last year, went one better as he took the silver medal but will be disappointed that he let the match slip.

On the hill at 16 - 12, Kuo made a terrible error in failing to hit a rail after playing a safety on the two-ball and he was not to get another visit.

Wu grabbed his opportunity with both hands. He cleared the table and broke and ran the next three to put the match at hill-hill, a first for the event.

The boy composed himself and broke the final rack, downing the wing ball and spreading the remainder across the table.