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Another One Bites the Dust: Wei Grounded by Visa Woes
Jul 21, 2006, 4:59 PM

Another contender for the $2-million purse at the International Pool Tour's North American 8-Ball Championship has withdrawn from the running. Liu Wei of China, who won a qualifier to compete in the event in Shanghai in mid-June, officially opted out July 20 after the U.S. government rejected his travel visa. With the event only two days away, IPT officials chose Lee Heuwagen to replace Wei.

Heuwagen played in multiple IPT qualification tournaments. He was the second of only two players to place third in two North American Open qualifiers, a performance statistic that landed him in the number two spot on the alternate list after Keith Bennett, who will replace Hall-of-Famer Jim Rempe.

IPT officials informed Heuwagen yesterday that he would need to get a plane ticket to Las Vegas. The event will take place July 22-31 at The Venetian. Heuwagen was very excited to hear the news, though he did state that he was disappointed for Wei's unfortunate circumstance.