TPBL Uses 2 External Referees for Game 6 as New Taipei Kings Aim for Title

(CNA reporter Li Jianzhong, Taipei, June 4) The Taiwan Professional Basketball League (TPBL) held Game 6 of its championship series tonight at Xinzhuang Gymnasium, with the New Taipei Kings, leading 3-2, vying to lift the championship trophy. The league's decision to appoint two referees from the CTBA system, rather than only in-house referees, has drawn attention.

According to the TPBL's official website, the three referees officiating today are: chief referee He Changren, first inspector Hou Chunren, and second inspector Wang Zhang Shiyuan. Among them, He Changren is a TPBL referee, while the other two are CTBA referees.

Hou Chunren holds an international referee license and has officiated in the now-defunct T1 professional league. Wang Zhang Shiyuan holds a National A-level referee certification, but according to the league, he has not officiated any professional games.

TPBL Deputy Secretary-General Cheng Po-jen stated in a media interview that the league had internally discussed the possibility of bringing in external referees for the playoffs and championship series. However, the plan was shelved at the time due to the impending announcement schedule.

He mentioned that after the recent CTBA election, the league revisited the discussion and decided to appoint CTBA referees for Game 6 and, if necessary, Game 7.

Cheng emphasized, "Both teams' general managers were informed and supportive of this arrangement and discussion. It's somewhat similar to the previous T1 league's practice of bringing in foreign referees." (Editor: Guan Zhongwei) 1150604