EFREN Reyes and Francisco Bustamante will aim to defend their World Cup of Pool title when this year's event returns to Manila, Philippines in September.

The event, which will be staged from Tuesday, September 7 to Sunday, September 12, will feature 32 two-player teams shooting for a $250,000 prize fund and is one of the most prestigious events in world pool.

Reyes and Bustamante have won the trophy on two of the four occasions it has been held and their heroics last year lifted the nation as they beat Germany 11-9 in one of the most exciting finals ever.

As usual, the host nation have the honour of fielding two teams in the event, with recent World Pool Masters Champion Dennis Orcollo and Roberto 'Superman' Gomez as the Philippines B team.

Other stars of the pool world scheduled to take part include World Champions Ralf Souquet and Oliver Ortmann (Germany), Daryl Peach and Karl Boyes of England, Johnny Archer (USA) and Finland's Mika Immonen.

A number of further top players will also be appearing in Manila, including Marcus Chamat (Sweden), Niels Feijen of Holland, Malta's Tony Drago and a host of big names to be announced.

The entire event will be broadcast by Solar Sports live across the Philippines with the live feed of the tournament available internationally. In addition, Matchroom Sport will be producing a 31 x one hour highlights package of the event.

Matchroom Sport chairman Barry Hearn said: "We are delighted to be returning to the Philippines after having enjoyed last year one of the greatest pool tournaments we have ever promoted.

"Solar Sports did a fantastic job bringing all the drama and excitement of the tournament to the screen and the large, enthusiastic crowds created an atmosphere unlike any I have ever seen at a pool tournament.

"The World Cup of Pool is fast becoming the biggest pool tournament in the world and we are delighted to see its continued growth in Asia and around the world."

Nations Represented
Europe (15)
Austria, Croatia, England, Finland, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Malta, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2

Asia (13)
China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines 1, Philippines 2, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Rest of the World (4)
Australia, Canada, Qatar, USA

All teams will appear subject to confirmation and contract