[game] America haets Malaysian Cybergamers

We got some of the most talented cyber sports players in the world and how do we reward them? By denying them a chance to participate in the Grand Finals, that's how you do it.

The last few days saw the dreams and hopes of several local cybergamers who qualified to represent Malaysia in the World Cyber Games 2007 Grand Finals in Seattle crushed when their visa was denied. Because of this, Malaysia will have to forfeit spots in Warcraft 3, Fifa, and Need For Speed. The Counter Strike spot also appears to be in danger of being forfeited as one of the team members visa application was denied.

Even one of our referees, a WCG Grand Finals Chief Referee, wasn't spared. He is now waiting for a reply to his reapplication.

You got to love some of the condenscending tone that the visa rejection reasons have. One player's rejection was due to his "low education and low income". Another player's reason for rejection was because he was "pursuing medicine in Indonesia". Priceless! I guess you need to hold a Harvards degree and have a million Ringgit in the bank to prove that you aren't going to overstay. Or a potential sleeper cell.

Malaysian cybergamers aren't the only ones affected - 2 Chinese players, one Russian player, and the entire freaking Georgian team had their visas denied on various grounds.

Perhaps the WCG organizers should rethink their decision to have another Grand Finals in the States if visa restrictions are that high. Otherwise the entire tournament is in danger of becoming a farce.

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