Heuwagen will replace Liu Wei in the NA Open.
The Chinese Government has rejected a travel visa for Liu Wei, so he has officially withdrawn from the IPT North American Open 8-Ball Championship. Wei was the winner of the qualification event held in Shanghai, China, just several weeks ago. Details about his VISA rejection are sketchy, but some points that were articulated from the Chinese Government stated that he has no significant ties to China in terms of wealth or marriage. Through his representative in China, Wei expressed sadness and disappointment in not being able to compete for China in this prestigious event.
Wei's replacement is Lee Heuwagen, who was the second alternate on the waitlist to play in the North American Open. 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. Heuwagen was called yesterday and told the news that he would be competing in the North American Open. He was very excited to hear the news, though he did state that he was disappointed for Liu Wei's unfortunate circumstance.