KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 10 -- The race for the 21st Malaysia National Lion Dance Championship title has entered its crucial stage, with 20 of the country's top lion dance troupes set to battle for a place in the grand final at Resorts World Genting in September.

The semi-final draw lots ceremony was held at Wisma Genting recently, determining the performance order for the 20 qualifying troupes ahead of the semi-finals on Sept 26.

Only 10 troupes will progress to the final on Sept 27 at the Arena of Stars, where the national champion will be crowned.

The championship attracted 88 troupes from across Malaysia during the regional qualifying rounds in June. The selection of just 20 semi-finalists highlights the increasingly competitive nature o...