KUALA LUMPUR, May 3 — Malaysia will join 13 other countries from around the world as 35 teams come together for the 13th Genting World Lion Dance Championship.

Held at the Arena of Stars in Genting Highlands from July 20 to 22, the championship will see 34 of the teams attempt to wrest the top spot away from last year’s defending champion, the Kun Seng Keng Lion and Dragon Dance Association from Muar, Johor.

Aside from the traditional strongholds of lion dancing in Asia-Pacific, teams from as far away as the United States, France and Australia are also set to compete.

Malaysia is represented this year by the Pertubuhan Tarian Singa dan Naga Hong Teik from Kedah, and the Sabah-based Pertubuhan Kebudayaan Kesenian Dan Kesukanan Tawau and Che Yee Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Lahad Datu. The teams were the top three in last year’s 18th Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship.

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The preliminary round begins on July 20 and 21, where the troupes will vie to score the ten highest point tallies and qualify for the final on July 22. The qualifying teams will face off Kun Seng Keng, whose abilities have seen them winning 11 of the 12 Genting World Lion Dance Championships.

The winning troupe will take home the grand prize of US$15,000 (RM58,900) with the first and second runners-up receiving US$8,000 (RM31,500) and US$5,000 (RM19,700) respectively. The remaining eight troupes who made it to the final will be awarded a consolation prize of U$1,500 (RM5,950) each.

A special East and West Lion King trophy will also be awarded to the best team from the eastern and western hemispheres.

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Those interested in watching the championship this year can purchase the July 20 and 21 preliminary round tickets for RM54 each with free seating. The July 22 tickets for the final are priced at RM154 and RM124 for PS1 and PS2 numbered seating. All prices are inclusive of the processing fee. The performance begins at 3pm.

Admission is one ticket per person, applicable to adults and children of all ages and infants. Genting Rewards Card members will receive a 10 per cent discount for tickets bought by cash, credit card or Genting Points for all price scale tickets for the finals. Call +603 2718 1118 or visit www.rwgenting.com for more information.