Hong Kong snooker sensation Marco Fu Kar-chun gave himself a pre-Asian Games boost by showing impressive form in Europe in his first season on the professional circuit.
Marco, who won the world amateur title last year, has reached the final stages of four top European tournaments - the best start for an Asian player.
The 20-year-old has so far qualified for the last 32 stage of the Grand Prix UK, the Regal Welsh, the European Ranking tournament and the China International Open.
'So far, he's the best Asian player in terms of the number of tournaments he has qualified for,' said Joseph Law, vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Billiard and Snooker Control Council.
'James Wattana is still considered the top player in Asia, but his world ranking is much higher at 20-something which means he has been exempted from qualifying in most tournaments.' Marco was disappointed when he failed to reach the final stages of the Thai Masters in Bangkok, the venue for next year's Asian Games.
Marco, who also won the World Youth (under-19) title two years ago, is considered a gold-medal prospect in Thailand.