The Hoenn League's rules for the Champion Challenge were more or less the same as the Sinnoh League's.
Challengers had to defeat every member of the League's Elite Four, then beat Master Wallace, who appeared last, to succeed.
When Cynthia challenged the Sinnoh League, the Sinnoh Region had no reigning Champion. As such, she only had to defeat the Elite Four led by Bertha Grandmother to pass the challenge.
But the Hoenn League was different.
Whether it was Steven or Master Wallace holding the title,
the position of Hoenn Champion had never been vacant...
Thus, compared with Cynthia, Yong undoubtedly faced a greater challenge!
The Champion Challenge used full six-on-six battle rules!
Although challengers were likewise allowed to switch only one Pokémon per match, there was no requirement to use the same Pokémon in every round!
This was also meant to test the depth of a challenger's Pokémon roster and the composition of their teams!
Yong had a very strong idea in mind about that!
After parting with Roxanne at the entrance to the Pokémon Center, Yong walked straight inside. He approached the counter, took out his Pokémon Pokédex, and smiled at Nurse Joy.
"Hello, Nurse Joy! Please register me for the Hoenn League's Champion Challenge!"
"Of course! Yong, you want to enter..."
Still smiling brightly, Nurse Joy took the Pokémon Pokédex the boy handed her, only to freeze suddenly.
"You said... you want to enter the Champion Challenge!?"
Her slightly startled voice drew the attention of some young Trainers in the lobby, but Nurse Joy quickly regained her composure. Lowering her voice, she looked at the boy and asked seriously,
"Are you sure, Yong? Do you really want to enter the Champion Challenge?"
The boy nodded with a smile.
"That's right! Nurse Joy, please register me!"
Once she