HONG KONG, October 28, 2002 - Lance Klusener will spearhead South Africa's bid for victory in this weekend's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.

The eighth edition of the tournament, with more than US$260,000 prize money on offer, will take place at the Kowloon Cricket Club on November 2-3.

South African hopes of going one better than last year, when they were beaten by Pakistan in the final, will rest largely on the broad shoulders of 31-year-old Klusener, whose devastating strike-rate and miserly bowling are sure to suit the Sixes style of game.

An imperious striker of the ball, Klusener was Player of the Tournament at the 1999 World Cup in England where he stood out with his aggressive all-round skills. The following year he was nominated as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year.

With Klusener in the fold and Justin Kemp, Alphonso Thomas and Loots Bosman all returning to Hong Kong for the second year in succession, there is a genuine belief within the South African squad that they can claim the first prize of US$80,000.

Only once previously have South Africa tasted success in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament. That was in 1995 when they defeated England in the final and their team included the likes of Hansie Cronje, Shaun Pollock, Adrian Kuiper and Jonty Rhodes.

The 2002 South African team have been drawn in Pool 1 where they will face Sri Lanka, India and the United Arab Emirates.

It is likely that Pakistan will once again prove to be the biggest hurdle to the South Africans in 2002. The defending champions are favourites to top Pool 2, which also includes England, Hong Kong and Australia.

The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes is widely recognised as the premier Sixes tournament in international cricket. This year will see all eight teams that played in 2001 return - Australia, England, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates.

Games are played in five-over innings, with each team member, other than the wicketkeeper, bowling one over.

The Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon on November 2-3. Two-day passes cost HK$450 for adults and HK$250 for children under 15, and are on sale from the following outlets: Hong Kong Cricket Club (137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Rd, Happy Valley, 2574 6266) Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox's Rd, Jordan, 2367 4141) Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince's Building, Central 2810 6988) Movie Blues (D'Aigular St, Lang Kwi Fong) India Club (Gascoigne Rd, Kowloon 2388 8184).

Released by WORLDSPORT Media. For further details please contact Damian Turner at (852) 2891-2000.

© HKCA