A strong line-up of 19 teams - including players from Australia, Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Singapore, plus several local teams - are competing for honours in Cup, Plate, Bowl and Spoon divisions over four days, up to finals day on Sunday.

Aussie team the Perth Postels, fresh from a few days' break after the Chiang Mai Sixes, will be out to defend the title they won last year, after defeating Pakistan's Corner Tigers.

Local teams from the Phuket Cricket Union leagues will also be in the mix, including the Green Man Gunnas, Laguna, Island Cricketeers and the Karon Seasanders.

Michael "Cat" Maher, chairman of the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour, said the array of teams from abroad showed the popularity of Phuket, and he looked forward to a fun tournament.

A special Twenty20 Charity match featuring the tournament's best players will be played under floodlights tomorrow from 6pm to raise funds for local children's charity Childwatch. Former Australian Test player Trevor Chappell will captain one side, while former South African pro Kenny Jackson will lead the other. Spectators are welcome and the entrance is free.

For further information see the tournament website www.phuketsixes.com or contact media director Mark Bur-ns at media@phuketsixes.com