Taiwan Today

Taiwan’s Liu You-chen took gold in the racing game Asphalt 4 before 8,200 spectators at the World Cyber Games in Chengdu, mainland China Nov. 15. Liu, who was contesting his fourth WCG, crushed last year’s champion Jared Beins of Singapaore and Lee Won-joon of South Korea on his way to collecting the US$6,000 winner’s check. This was Liu’s second time to medal at the event, which is the cyber equivalent of the Olympics. In 2007, he captured bronze in Project Gotham Racing 4 at the WCG in Seattle. The reaction of mainland Chinese competitors to Liu during the medal presentation ceremony in Seattle captured headlines around the world. After he displayed the ROC national flag, mainlanders hurled abuse, with some having to be restrained by security personnel. As Taiwan’s premier cybergamer, Liu said local competitors need more opportunities to hone their skills if they are to shine on the world stage. “The sport of cyber gaming is in its infancy,” Liu said after being presented with his gold medal. “I hope the government will do more to support competitors and the sport.” Taiwan’s cybergamers first rose to prominence after Tzeng Jeng-cheng took gold at the 2001 WCG in Seoul, South Korea. At the 2003 WCG nation-to-nation competitions, Huang Yu-kuei and Wu Yu-jen won gold for Taiwan in “Age of Mythology,” while the teaming of Liu Kai-hsun and Huang Cheng-pin added another in “War Craft: Reign of Chaos.” (PCT-JSM)