Partnership Hopes Boosting The9

From Dow Jones:

"The9 Ltd.'s (NCTY) shares are up more than 40% in the past two weeks, and investors will look for confirmation this week on several rumors concerning the top-tier online game operator.

Korean game developer NCSoft recently has assumed full control of its "NC Sina" joint venture by acquiring the 51% stake held by former partner Sina Corp. (SINA). This development has, in turn, fueled speculation that NCSoft might choose The9 Ltd. to operate its popular online game "Guild Wars" in China, which would be a boon to The9.

The9 also is reportedly in discussions with Electronic Arts Inc. (ERTS) about operating EA's online casual-game platform -- pogo.com -- in China."