World Mahjong Masters Open in Kunming

This year's World Mahjong Masters in the city of Kunmingsouthwest China's Yunnnan province, has attracted more than one hundred participants from five countries and regions.

The three day event lasts from June 6 to 8, providing a jackpot of 100,000 yuan (16,000 US dollars). Some previous world champions have returned to the competition to take on newcomers. Many competitors are seniors.

Originating from China, Mahjong is a game of strategy, calculation and chance. Four people per table play with a set of 144 tiles. Each tile is demarcated with Chinese characters and symbols.