Thirty-six of the rising young stars from fourteen countries across Asia line up in Kuala Lumpur to contest the 5th Asian Under 21 championship.

China's Ding Junhui won the last event staged, in 2002, and became the first player to break the Thailand stranglehold, as the three previous events were won by Anan Terananon, Phaitoon Phonbun and Supoj Saenlah.

Even in 2002 Thailand provided the runner up with Pramual Janthad (right) and he plays again this time round and is seeded number three.

Leading the field is India's Pankaj Advani, the IBSF World Champion, but many eyes will be on Thailand's Kobkit Palajin, runner up to Gary Wilson in the recent IBSF World Under 21 Championship. Janthad also showed his pedigree by recording a high break of 142 during the World Under 21s.

Fifteen players who competed in the World Under 21s go head to head again here, including semi finalist Liang Wenbo from China and Aditya Mehta from India who reached the quarter finals.

Many eyes will be on the new teenage sensation from Iran. Aged just thirteen Amir Sarkhosh has already won senior events in Tehran and gained useful experience by competing in the Asian Championship earlier this year.

Host country Malaysia will have high hopes of their players, who are led by the promising Moh Keen Ho. Both he and his team mate John Loh Ei Loong reached the last 32 stage of the IBSF World Under 21 Championship.

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