Japan Emerge Champions In Close Battle!!!
9th November 2019 – Super Round Final Day, 2nd Session
When the going got tough, Japan showed character to get tougher and defeat Chinese Taiper 5-4 in their first final Super Round match to emerge champions of the inaugural Asia Cup-U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in GuiZhou, China, this afternoon.
Both teams reached their final match unbeaten and although Japan were the favourites, Chinese Taipei rose to the occasion to take the game to their opponents with their offensive play from the start.
After no runs recorded in the first inning, Japan took the lead in the second inning with a run and another in the third.
But te resilience of Chinese Taipei saw them get back into the game with two runs in the sic innings to take the lead as the visiting team
Chinese Taipei going into the final inning brought in their big hitters but could only muster one run as Japan caught out their last batter Yung Chi Chang.
While Chinese Taipei relied heavily on their pitcher Ching Yu Chen with her near perfect delivery, Japan had a better all-round team where every player rose to the occasion.
“At one point I was worried that we might lose to Chinese Taipei who rose to the occasion and played extremely well. It was our six inning which was our team turn the game for us,” said Japan’s coach Sato Yukisasa.
“In the final inning, Chinese Taipei were going all out to get the runs and I am glad our players kept their composure to restrict them to only one run.
“It was a very tight and close game and I am glad that we emerged victors.”
Chinese Taipei’s head coach Tsai Yu-Chun said that the game was for their taking.
“We were so close to defeating Japan and winning the title, but let it slip by.
“But my players gave their best and it was Japan were more composed and superior than us. We have nothing to be ashamed of this defeat, but proud that we gave Japan a run for their money.”
Indeed, it was an interesting match which had everyone on the edge of their seats.
Japan, Chinese Taipei and China who defeated Philippines in another close match (6-5) earlier, qualify for the U18 World Cup in Peru next year.
Korea who beat India 13-3 in a placing match finished in the six nation championship.
China Book Third Berth for World Cup
9th November 2019 – Super Round Final Day, 1st session
Host China booked their World Cup ticket by the skin of teeth in a come from behind 6-5 victory over Philippines in their final Super Round match in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019, at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, this morning.
Philippines were left in tears as they were so close, yet to far to deny China that berth.
But all credit to Philippines who fought till the end and nearly levelled the score in the final inning when they had three runs to narrow the score to 6-5 and had China in tenterhooks.
Philippines’ pint sized pitcher Kacelyn Valino was in her element yesterday who had 13 strikeouts and catcher Ma Reuel Caoagdan played a sterling role as a leader in the team and combining well with Valino.
However, it was China’s ace pitcher Liu King Ya who virtually kept out Philippines from hitting the ball more often with her excellent delivery and in the final inning to stop substitute third batter Richelle Toledo from a clean hit and finally was caught out with her only hit.
Liu also played a key role in China’s comeback when in the seventh inning, when they level at 2-2, who was brought in to bat and her hit saw them gain two runs through Zhang Jing Jun and Wu Li who came in from second and third base.
That two runs rattled the Philippines for China to get another runs from Chen Ting’s hit to the far right which saw she run all three bases after Cai Xin Ru from second base had run home.
Philippines had shocked China to take an early lead with two runs in the second inning itself when third batter Angel Joanna Pascual’s hit saw Mario Rocio Macasaet and Laica Atlas ran from home from second and third base.
China’s coach Hunter Veach was relieved and delighted with their narrow victory.
“It was close, but it in the end we should be credited for how we came back with four runs in the seventh inning to clinch victory,” said Veach.
“Philippines got their two runs because of our errors. In a way, falling back saw our team fighter harder for the victory. I was worried if we took the lead, we might complacent and get in trouble.
“We did well to come back strongly but again when we were in lead in the final inning with four runs, we let us down a little as Philippines capitalised and nearly made us pay the price.
“I was not concerned when we were down, but when we were up in the final inning, it caused me some anxious moments. But I am glad that we held out and have booked the World cup berth.”
For Philippines coach Rommel Sta Ana, he felt luck eluded them victory.
“We had victory staring at us, but let it slip away,” said Sta Ana.
“We played well today with our pitcher who did extremely well, while our hitters to rose to the occasion.
“But defence was a let-down when it mattered most in the final inning.
“It is sad that we had to miss the World Cup berth so narrowly, but hope it will be a great experience for the team to become stronger for the future.”
This afternoon will see Japan and Chinese Taipei battle the championship title.
The top 3 teams qualify from this tournament to represent Asia in the World Cup in Peru next year. The competition has been tailored for U17 so that the athletes from the qualified teams, may still be eligible to play in the U18 World Cup next year.
RESULTS:
China 6 Philippines 5
Japan Too Good for Philippines
8th November 2019 – Day 4, 2nd Session
Japan cruised past Philippines with their all-round strength, agility and power, with an easy 11-0 win over four innings, in their first Super Round match in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, this afternoon.
Japan, look all set to win the title after their four-match unbeaten record and only Chinese Taipei, who are also unbeaten, can stop them, in the final Super round match tomorrow afternoon.
But Chinese Taipei, who have been impressive in the championship, which includes their 7-0 win over host China this morning, will have to bring out their best against Japan.
This afternoon Japan displayed their overall strength and depth in the team against Philippines when they used four of their pitchers and gave a run to most of their players in the three innings, but Philippines still could not find a weak link in the team to capitalise on.
Philippines coach Rommel Sta Ana said that despite Japan making constant changes, his team still had problems to overcome them.
“I too changed three pitches but because we could not trouble the Japanese batters and we still could not find a solution. Our batters too had no answer to their pitchers,” said Sta Ana.
“On the other hand, their batters were so clinical and we simply had no answer to them. They were simply too good for us.”
The match ended in one hour 14 minutes.
After no runs in the first inning, Japan had six runs in the second inning including the home run hit by Yato Kirana, before chalking another five runs with Takahasmi Mairi’s hit bringing in two runs from the loaded bases in the third inning.
Japan’s coach Sato Yusisada said that it was an easy match and decided to try out his players in preparation for the Chinese Taipei match tomorrow.
“I am glad that all the players who had a chance to play today gave their best and did well.
“Our match against Chinese Taipei will be our toughest encounter in the championship, but we should get past them. However, we will have to work for the victory because we expect Chinese Taipei to come at us strongly.
“Besides they have a good pitcher (Ke Hsia-Ai) and have good batters too. They are definitely going to give us a run for our money, but we will be prepared for it.”
While Japan and Chinese Taipei who have booked two of the three berths for the World Cup next year in Peru and now are left to fight for the top place and title in this championship, host China and Philippines, will be battling for the third World Cup spot tomorrow morning.
“We have one more chance to make the World Cup and we are going to give our best shot. China is a strong team and as host have an advantage, but it is a do-or-die mission for us,” said Sta Ana.
Chinese Taipei Stuns Hosts China
8th November 2019 – Day 4, 1st Session
Chinese Taipei’s pitcher Lin Chi-Yun’s brilliance and China’s errors, saw the former book their place for the World Cup next year when they won 7-0 in the first Super Round match in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019, at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, this morning.
The win by Chinese Taipei sees them remain unbeaten and their final match is against high riding Japan tomorrow which will decide the top two finishers.
Japan play Philippines in the afternoon in their first Super round match.
Matches between China and Chinese Taipei have always been competed at high intensity at any level and yesterday was no different.
China were favourites as host, but Chinese Taipei turned the tables with their excellent pitching by Lin which gave the China batters hardly any chance.
Chinese Taipei meant business from the start and took a two run lead in the first inning itself.
Errors by China was capitalised by Chinese Taipei and coupled with some clinical hits, saw them pick up one run in the third, two in the fourth, and one each in the fifth and sixth inning for their 7-0 win
Chinese Taipei had seven hits and no errors, as compared by China’s one hit and seven errors.
Surprisingly China fielded their left handed pitcher Chen Yu Chen instead of Liu Jing Ya, who has been doing well all week and was key player in the team. She was only brought in the sixth inning.
Chinese Taipei head coach Tsai Yu-Chun said that the match against China was much easier than expected.
“We had expected a tougher match against China, but surprisingly they were not at their best. Besides they made many errors which were took advantage of. On our end, our pitcher Yun Lin was once again clinical in her delivery which gave the China batters a difficult time. We were also hitting well,” said Tsai.
“We are now in an advantage position going into our final Super round match against Japan, because we at worst will finish second and have booked our World Cup berth,” she said.
“Against Japan who certainly are the favourites in the tournament, we have nothing to lose against them.
We will remain focus and give our best to create an upset, which can be a bonus to us to land the title too.”
China’s coach Hunter Veach was obviously disappointed with the performance of his team which was a far cry from their performance Japan in their 0-3 loss.
“Chinese Taipei won because of our errors and we had problems with our hits,” said Veach.
Veach defended fielding Wei as pitcher instead of Liu.
“Wei is an equally good pitcher and she is a left hander which I felt will work better against our opponents. Anyway we lost not because of her pitching but because of our errors.
“In any case, I wanted to have the best team available for our final match against Philippines tomorrow, which includes Liu.
“I rather have lost today and have our destiny in my hands in tomorrow’s game. Not that we went out to lose, but felt that we could have still won if we had executed our plan more clinically.
“We will recoup and strategise for tomorrow’s game against Philippines and book the third spot for the World Cup,” said Veach confidently.
In placing round 1 match, Korea defeated Thailand 12-2 in four innings with 3 runs, 4 runs, 2 runs and 3 runs while Thailand had a run each in the third and fourth inning.
RESULT:
Super round:
China 0 Chinese Taipei 7
Placing round:
Thailand 2 Korea 12
Chinese Taipei Tops Group B
7th November 2019 – Day 3, 2nd Session
Chinese Taipei’s narrow 2-0 win over Philippines in their final Group B match at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, this afternoon, saw them top the group and qualify for the Super Round tomorrow in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019.
Chinese Taipei will meet in a showdown against host China, who finished runners-up in Group A, in their first Super round match tomorrow morning.
Head coach of Chinese Taipei, Tsai Yu-Chun, was pleased that her team remained unbeaten and topping the Group going into the Super round.
“We knew that it was not going to be easy against Philippines as they are good all round team. But we did enough to beat them narrowly,” said Tsai.
“We wanted to get early runs and put the pressure on Philippines and we did just that. Chang Yu-Chi’s home run hit for the second run was the best thing that happened to us, as it further lifted the morale of the team.
Besides our pitcher Ke Hsia-Ai was in her element to deny Philippines to get their hits with excellent picthing.
“Although we had no further runs, and Philippines were going all out to catch up on us, I had no worries because our defence was solid and the team as a whole were playing well to keep them at bay.”
Chinese Taipei had six hits to score a run in the first inning and the home run in the second, while Philippines had three hits, but failed to get a run.
Tsai said that she is aware that the Super round matches against China and Japan is going to be much tougher, but she believes in her team to rise to the occasion and to finish among the top three to qualify for the World Cup.
“We may just win a game and our best chance will be against China,” declared Tsai.
Philippines coach Rommel Sta Ana said that his team was unlucky.
“We played well against Chinese Taipei and had our hits, but the problem was that we were caught out as we kept sending the ball to the same left side,” said Sta Ana.
“It was a close match and the girls all their best.”
On the Super Round, Sta Ana admitted it is going to be tough against Japan and China, but they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“We will be going for brokes and hope that our hard work will reward us to secure a place to the World Cup next year.”
For Philippines, their pitcher Kacelyn Valino was most commanding on the pitch with her sterling performance and also shouting out instructions and motivating her team.
In the Super round, the top 3 teams qualify to represent Asia in the World Cup next year in Peru besides battling for the championship title.
TODAY’S RESULTS:
Group A:
Japan 3 China 0
Group B:
India 5 Thailand 2
Philippines 0 Chinese Taipei 2
Friendly
China B 15 Korea 12
Japan Moves A Step Closer To Title
7th November 2019 – Day 3, 1st Session
Japan have emerged favourites to wrest the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 title after defeating host China 3-0 in the final preliminary match to emerge unbeaten and top of Group A, at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China this morning.
Both Japan and China as runners-up of the Group, qualify for the Super round tomorrow.
In Group B, Philippines and Chinese Taipei have qualified for the Super rounds, but their final standing in the Group will be determined this afternoon, when they meet each other in their final Group match.
The top two teams from each Group after the preliminary round advance to the Super round.
The results of the final preliminary round are still important although the teams have qualified for the Super Round because every win is important in the Super round as the results of the game played with each other in their own Group will be carried forward in determining the final placings.
In the Super round, the top 3 teams qualify to represent Asia in the World Cup next year in Peru besides battling for the championship title.
This morning, the match between China and Japan was a battle of strategy and caution, which saw a tight battle on the pitch.
Japan had an early run in their bag in the first inning, but China defended well to keep Japan at bay for the second inning, before Japan had their second run in the third inning.
Japan went 3-0 in the fourth inning, but try as much as they did to increase their lead, China did well to hold them. China themselves tired hard to get the runs in from their 3 hits as opposed to Japan’s six hits, but it came to nought
Both teams at the end game, were happy with their performance and outcome.
Japan were happy that they managed to defeat China, whom their considered favourites and a formidable team.
“It was a crucial match for us and we are glad that China is out of our way now,” said Japan’s head coach Sato Yusisada.
“It was a very close match and we have to strategise our game. We are glad that our plans worked well for us, but it was definitely not an easy match. China certainly made us work hard for this victory and I must congratulate them for a great performance. This team will be the team to watch out for in the near future at the senior level.
“We now go into the Super round as unbeaten, but we cannot take Philippines or Chinese Taipei lightly. We have got the toughest team in the competition out of the way, but we still have to remain focussed and perform well in the remaining two game if we want to finish champions.”
Yesterday going into the final inning with 3 runs and when China batted bottom, Japan made a stragetic change to bring in Shkano Ayane to replace regular pitcher Arakawa Mei
“We did so because China’s batters for the inning were mostly lefthanders and we did not want to allow them pick up any runs,” explained Yukisada.
China’s coach Hunter Veach despite the defeat was full of praise of his team.
“We can leave the pitch with our heads high. It was a very close match. We did everything right expect pick up the runs. We had the right energy, we defended well, pitched well and had Japan wary about us,” said Veach.
“Today it was Japan who was worried about us and not us over them. It was a stragetic game with both teams playing chess.
“We have may lost the match, but certainly not the war. We have qualified for the Super round and we are good to finish among the top three, with Japan being the favourites to bag the title. However, if Japan fumbles in any of their two remaining matches, we will be back in the running for the title.
“But right now, our first priority is to finish among the top three and qualify for the World Cup.”
For China, their pitcher Liu Jing Ya was the key player in team and a pawn in Veach’s strategic plan against Japan.
Liu was brought in to bat at crucial moments in the game and she delivered. She was duly replaced at first base by infield player Li Ying immediately after the hit. She is also an excellent pitcher.
“Liu is the player to watch out for the future and could well be the face of China’s softball in the future,” said Veach of Liu.
In the Group B match, India chalked their first victory after two losses, when they defeated Thailand 5-2. The match started closely with both India and Thailand having a run each in the first inning and Thailand taking the lead in the second inning with another run.
But India regrouped and came back strongly to take the lead with two runs in the fourth inning before gaining another two runs in the fifth inning for the final score.
RESULTS:
Group A:
Japan 3 China 0
Group B:
India 5 Thailand 2
Super Round Teams Determined
6th November 2019 – Day 2, 2nd Session
With a day still left for the preliminary rounds tomorrow, the four teams who qualify for the Super Round on Friday have already been determined yesterday evening in the Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China.
While China were the first to book their berth after the morning session 11-1 win over Thailand, Japan was the next, when they easily disposed of India 18-0 in three innings in the afternoon on Pitch 1.
On Pitch 2, Philippines’ opening match win over Korea 11-0 over four innings saw them book their berth together with Chinese Taipei who had also defeated Korea 9-2 on the opening day in the three team Group B. The top two teams qualify for the Super round.
Philippines play Chinese Taipei and China play Japan to determine the top placings in their respective Groups in their final preliminary round match before they proceed to the Super Rounds on Friday and Saturday.
The results on the final preliminary round is still important although the teams have qualified for the Super Round because every win is important in the Super round as the results of the game played with each other in their own Group will be carried forward in determining the final placings.
The top 3 teams qualify from this tournament to represent Asia in the World Cup next year in Peru and the battle for the champion of this U17 Asia Cup is also at stake.
Japan has certainly emerged the favourites to emerge tops in this championship although their real test will be tomorrow against China.
While China’s coach Hunter Veach was wary of Japan’s challenge, Japan’s coach Sato Yukisda remained modest.
“We will try our best to do well. It is not going to be easy playing China as they have home ground and support on their side besides being a formidable team,” said Yukisda.
But judging from Japan’s performance in the last two matches although against weaker opponents – defeated Thailand 21-0 and India (18-0) – they had depth in the team with all round strength and versatility.
India had no chance against Japan today who had 14 hits as opposed to India’s 1. India had seven errors.
Japan had no runs in the first innings, but went on the onslaught with seven runs in the second inning and eleven in the third to wrap up the game with a total of 11.
Philippines on the other hand, had four runs in the first inning, one in the third and six in the fourth, to wrap the game with 11-0 win.
Philippines coach Rommel Sta Maria said his team’s biggest test will be against Chinese Taipei in their final preliminary round before the Super Round.
“It is going to be a difficult game as both teams will want to go to the Super Round unbeaten from our Group to stay in the hunt to finish among the top three to qualify for the World Cup and also be in the run for the title in this championship” said Sta Maria.
TODAY’S RESULTS:
Thailand 1 China 11
Japan 18 India 0
Korea 0 Philippines 11
Friendly:
Chinese Taipei 7 China B 0
China First to Book Berth to Super Round
6th November 2019 – Day 2, 1st Session
China used their match against Thailand this morning as a preparatory match for their toughest opponent, Japan, in the Group A match tomorrow in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China.
China chalked their second consecutive victory when they defeated Thailand 11-1, but their American coach Hunter Veach was more concerned about the match against Japan and tired out several options.
“I am more a teacher than coach. These are young girls who are in the learning process and I take every opportunity to teach or correct them, be it a game or coaching session,” said Hunter Veach.
In the game this morning, Veach called two ‘charge conference’ during the game and tried out several of his players in different positions.
“It was a learning game today and preparing for our touch encounter against Japan tomorrow.”
Veach even tried out his first choice pitcher, Liu Jing Ya, as pitcher in the fourth inning and her hit earned them the last two runs to add to their earlier one run in the inning to conclude the game.
After no runs in the first inning, China had six runs in the second and two in the third for total of 11 runs with the four more runs from the fourth inning.
“I tried out several options today to use against Japan, but how well it will work depends on how well we execute it,” added Veach.
Veach was the first to admit that it was going to be tough against Japan tomorrow and it will be a close match.
Although China with two wins – opening match 8-0 victory over India and today win over Thailand – have already booked their place to finish among the top two to qualify for the Super Round, every win is important because in the Super round, the results of the game played with each in their own Group will be carried forward in determining the final placings.
The top 3 teams qualify from this tournament to represent Asia in the World Cup next year in Peru.
“We want to finish on the highest position in the final tally as possible.
“The match against Japan is as good as a final and we are fully prepared for any situation to rise to the occasion,” said Veach.
For Thailand, the result yesterday against China was certainly a morale booster after being thrashed 21-0 by Japan in the opening game on Tuesday.
“We are in the learning process and this a development team. This experience here is very valuable to the players. Against Japan we were up against a very experienced and talented team. Besides, softball is big in Japan,” said the president Softball Association of Thailand.
“I am happy we gave an improved performance against China although we lost.
“We are not under estimating India, but we hope to get a good result against them tomorrow.”
India play Japan later this afternoon after having lost to China in their opening game.
Chinese Taipei who had won their opening match against Korea 9-2, played a friendly match against China B which they won 7-0 in five innings.
Chinese Taipei play Philippines in their Group B tie tomorrow afternoon.
Philippines meet Korea later this afternoon.
RESULTS:
Thailand 1 China 11
Friendly:
Chinese Taipei 7 China B 0
Host China Get Off to A Grand Start
5th November 2019 – Day 1, 2nd Session
An impressive opening ceremony by 960 participants performing, was the prelude to host China’s resounded 8-0 win over India, in their opening Group A match in the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019 at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, yesterday afternoon.
After the exciting opening ceremony which saw dragon, lion, bamboo and cultural dances to drum beats, the local fans were equally entertained by their team’s dream start with Cai Xin Ru giving the team’s home run in her very first hit.
But after that India, who were supposed to be easy team for China, managed to overcome the early setback, only to allow China the one run for the first inning.
However, class began to tell when India started making errors after error in their pitching and catching, conceding four errors for China to pick up four runs in the second innings
China went on to increase their lead with two runs in the third inning and another in fourth inning before the match was concluded after on runs by both teams in the fifth inning for a 8-0 victory for China.
China’s coach Hunter Veach was delighted with the victory but said he was trying out as many players as possible
“It is my debut as national coach for the junior team and what better way can I ask to start – with a victory – and a run in the very first hit,” lamented Hunter Veach who was the assistant to fellow American coach Corey Myers with the senior women’s team for the Asia-Oceania Tokyo Olympics qualifier in September.
“We knew that we could win this match easily and knew what we had to do. But at the same time I wanted to give as many players as possible a run in the game.
“This team has talent but are inexperienced. I have only two players who have had international exposure.
“In any case, it is a good start ahead of our matches against Thailand and Japan.”
Veach who had earlier said his team will finish tops in the competition said that after watching the matches today, Japan and Chinese Taipei would be among the top three contenders.
“But after Philippines had defeated the China B team by a convincing margin, I reckon Philippines could also be contenders,” added Veach.
The top 3 teams qualify from this tournament to represent Asia in the World Cup.
In a warm up match played yesterday afternoon, Philippines from Group B had a useful outing for their opening game against Korea today, when they defeated China’s B team 12-0 in four innings.
Philippines after one run in first inning went to make 11 runs in the second inning and the match ended after the fourth inning with no further runs by both teams.
China will play Thailand this morning, while Japan will play India and Philippines take on Korea in the afternoon
TODAY’S RESULTS:
RESULTS:
Group A:
Thailand 0 Japan 21
India 0 China 8
Group B:
Korea 2 Chinese Taipei 9
Friendly:
Philippines 12 China B 0
Winning Start For Japan And Chinese Taipei
5th November 2019 – Day 1, 1st Session
Japan and Chinese Taipei started on a winning note in their respective Group matches on the opening day of the inaugural Asia Cup – U-17 Women Softball championship 2019, at the Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium in Guizhou, China, this morning.
Both Japan and Chinese Taipei, whose senior women’s team are ranked 2nd and 6th in the world, underlined that their junior teams are equally formidable.
In the Group A match at the second pitch, Japan ran rings around Thailand to win 21-0 in three innings on run ahead rule, while in the Group B match at pitch 1, Chinese Taipei won 9-2 over Korea in six innings also on run ahead rule.
While Chinese Taipei took some time to settle down and it was Korea who drew first blood to chalk two runs in the second innings, the former came back strongly in the next inning to take the lead with four runs.
Chinese Taipei stretched their lead further with another two runs in the fourth inning before wrapping up the game with three more runs in the sixth inning for a 9-2 win.
Chinese Taipei’s forte was their pitcher Ching Ya Chen was clinically and gave the Korean batters a tough time.
The Koreans on the other hand were let down by poor catching when they fumbled on numerous occasions for the Chinese Taipei to gain bases.
At the second pitch, Thailand had no answer for the Japanese girls who started off with five runs in the first innings.
The game was already wrapped up when the Japanese girls ran riot to bring in 13 runs in the second inning before it was mere formality for another three runs in the third inning to relieve the Thai girls of their misery.
Host China take on India in the second Group A match of the day this afternoon after the opening ceremony.
The top 3 teams qualify from this tournament to represent Asia in the World Cup. The competition has been tailored for U17 so that the athletes from the qualified teams may still be eligible to play in the U18 World Cup next year.
Seven teams are competing here namely Japan, China, Thailand and India in Group A and Philippines, Chinese Taipei and Korea in Group B.
RESULTS:
Group A:
Thailand 0 Japan 21
Group B:
Korea 2 Chinese Taipei 9
China Gunning For Top Finish
PREVIEW ASIA CUP U17 WOMEN SOFTBALL, GUIZHOU, CHINA
China as host of the inaugural Asia Cup Under 17 (U17) Women Softball Championship starting tomorrow at Guizhou, are looking forward to emerging the top team in the competition that ends on Saturday.
Hosting the second competition in three month – hosted tjeAsia-Oceania Softball qualifier for the Tokyo Olympics on September – and having faced the disappointment of having missed the sole ticket to Tokyo, they are looking forward to a better outting in this tournament which serves as the qualifier for the World Cup Under 18 next year.
The top 3 teams to qualify to represent Asia in the World Cup. The competition has been tailored for U17 so that the athletes from the qualified teams may still be eligible to play in the U18 World Cup next year.
This is the first time that Softball Asia is organising an women U17 competition in collaboration with China Softball Association. I
“Being a World Cup qualifying competition, the stakes are high for the participating teams and we expect a high level of challenging and interesting competition,” said Softball Asia president Low Beng Choo.
“The next five days is expected to see some of our top youth girls (U17) parade some outstanding performances for their respective teams,” she added.
Seven teams will be competing and they are namely, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Chinese Taipei and host China.
Played at the spectacular Yilong Baseball-Softball Stadium, with two (2) fields, Asia’s top youth players will be on parade, who will be the future stars.
“I thank all teams for the participation and wish everyone all the best. May the best all round team triumph. I also hope all players, coaches and officials will demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship at all times – both on and off field. Compete fairly, enjoy the game, give your very best.”
China’s American head coach Hunter Veach, who was with the coaching team for the senior team in the Olympic qualifier, expressed his confidence that his team will do well.
“ I have been working with the team for 14 days and see a great deal of potential in the players ,” said Veach.
“These are young players and it is so much easier to teach them and see them play we want them too. They are talented lot who learn very fast.
“In age-group tournaments it is difficult to gauge standards of teams, but I happy and confident with my team.”
China are in Group A together with Japan, Thailand and India whereas in Group B where is is only three teams are Chinese Taipei, Philippines and Korea.
The top two teams from each group after the preliminary group round, will advance to play in the Super Round, carrying forward the result of the game played with each other in their own Group.