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Eight out of the 18 lion dance teams participating in the International Luminous Dragon Dance and Lion Dance Invitation Tournament 2001 today (January 6) successfully won the right to enter the lion dance final following a day-long competitions.

The eight teams are Nan Hai Zhong Lian Dragon and Lion Dance Team and Huang Felhong Lion Dance and Kong Fu Center from China; Cheung Keung Martial Arts Association Tang Siu Lun Dragon & Lion Dancing Team, HKCWC Fung Yiu King Memorial Secondary School and Ha King Man Lion Society from Hong Kong; Associacao De Artes Marciais Chinseas De Macau Chong Son from Macau; Pasukan Tarian Singa D.A.P.S.Y Kelapa Sawli and Nam Wah Pai Kangkar Pulai Johor from Malaysia.

The eight lion dance teams will compete tomorrow (January 7) for the world title at the lion dance final at the Hong Kong Colisuem from 7 pm to 10:30 pm.

Being the champions in their own countries or regions, the participating teams came to Hong Kong to compete for the world champion title. Each team was required to perform a 10 to 12 minute dance with a plot including a "plucking the green" action to demonstrate their skills.

The biennial Tournament is jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Association and financially supported by the Hong Kong Sports Development Board.

Members of the public should not miss the chance to watch the exciting performances by lion champions all over the world. Tickets priced at $30, $50 and $150 for the lion dance finals are still available at all URBTIX outlets.

End/Saturday, January 6, 2001

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