BURBANK, July 15, 2002 . . . The hit anime adventure series "Beyblade," based on the fast emerging kids sports entertainment phenomenon, keeps spinning exciting new tales each weekend on ABC Family as part of the network's new kids' summer programming schedule. In July, Tyson and his friends must face off against some tough challengers on their way to the World Championships in Asia:
Episode 5: Draciel of Approval
Airs July 20 (7:00 a.m., ET/PT)
Max is completely overpowered in his semi-finals match against Kai. After
the mystical animal protector known as Draciel emerges from Max's
Grandmother's pendant and adds its power to Max's Beyblade, the tables begin
to turn in the match.
Episode 6: Dragoon Storm
Airs July 20 (9:00 a.m., ET/PT) and July 21 (7:00 a.m., ET/PT)
Tyson advances to face Ray in the semi-finals in the Qualifying Tournament.
In best of three battles, Tyson's bravado quickly fades as Ray handily wins
the first round, destroying Tyson's Beyblade with his famous Tiger Claw
Attack. Even if friends Kenny and Dizzi can quickly rebuild his Beyblade,
preventing disqualification, can Tyson rally to win the match against Ray?
Episode 7: Thirteen Candles
Airs July 21 (9:00 a.m., ET/PT) and July 27 (7:00 a.m., ET/PT)
The National Beyblade Championship Match is set -- with Tyson facing off
against reigning champion, Kai. It's not until Grandpa throws a surprise
party for Tyson that the rookie sensation realizes he has forgotten his own
birthday!
Episode 8: 'Bladin' in the Streets
Airs July 27 (9:00 a.m., ET/PT) and July 28 (7:00 a.m., ET/PT)
Tyson and his new team, the Bladebreakers, prepare for the World
Championships. Kai seems to reject his newfound team and leads them on a
chase through the streets. That's where the guys learn some lessons about
Beyblading from some very mysterious 'bladers.
Episode 9: Showdown in Hong Kong
Airs July 28 (9:00 a.m., ET/PT)
Our heroes arrive in Hong Kong on a stop-over to the Asian World
Championships when they run into Ray's old gang, the White Tigers.
Naturally, a Beyblade battle quickly ensues.
"Beyblade" -- SATURDAY and SUNDAY (7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., ET/PT) -- This cutting-edge anime adventure follows martial arts student, Tyson, as he perfects his technique in the extreme sport of Beyblade (based on a traditional Japanese spinning-top game called Bei-goma, now emerging as a kids sports entertainment phenomenon called Beyblade). While each customized spinning top is as unique as its owner, Tyson's is particularly powerful since he's learned to harness the mystical power of his Japanese ancestors. He joins a group of international youths -- whose tops also possess special power derived from ancient beasts -- as they embark on a quest to battle their way to the World Championship while thwarting evil challengers. The executive producers are Michael Hirsh, Toper Taylor and Scott Dyer. The series is produced by Nelvana and d-rights, Inc. (TV-Y7)
Press Contacts:
David Gardner
ABC Cable Networks Group
(818) 973-2128
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