CHINESE TAIPEI WREST TITLE UNBEATEN

Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Asia Cup (FINAL DAY ) – 27^th May, 2023 – Saturday

Pictures by Krittayad Janasawad

 

CHINESE TAIPEI came to Pattaya to win the tournament and qualify for the inaugural World Cup Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball in Mexico and they did it in style as they remained unbeaten in five matches when they edged Philippines 8-2 in the final to wrest the Asia Cup at the Siam Polo Club ground in Pattaya, Thailand today.

While Philippines were hoping to avenge their preliminary round 8-12 defeat to Chinese Taipei, the latter proved that they were the better side.

 

Chinese Taipei coach, Tang Chen-Hao said the players were highly motivated to win the final and wrest the title after having qualified for the World Cup earlier when they reached the final.

“The players played to instructions and worked hard for each other as a team. While Philippines tried hard, we were the better team,” declared Tang.

However, Tang was quick to add that the World Cup tournament will be a different kettle of fish altogether and they have to work hard to make an impact as Asia’s best in Slow Pitch Softball.

 

“Our forte is our batters, but we still have to work at it because we are used to hitting high throws, but the competition here saw balls to be thrown lower.

 

“Work with the team will begin the moment we get back and I will maintain this team for the World Cup as they earned the ticket and are the best players available.”

Philippines coach, Ana Maria Santiago, conceded that they lost to a better team, but was satisfied with the performance of her team.

“They gave their best and we have qualified for the World Cup. But we have a lot of work to do and I will probably bring two or three players who are based overseas to strengthen the team,” said Ana.

China who beat host Thailand 16-0 in the earlier third placing match, also qualified for the World Cup as the third team.

 

RESULTS (DAY 1)

 

China 6  Philippines 7

Singapore 5 Chinese Taipei 12

Thailand 4 China 10

Philippines 15 Singapore 7

 

RESULTS (DAY 2)

 

Chinese Taipei 17 Thailand 10

China 17 Singapore 8

Philippines 8  Chinese Taipei 12

 

 RESULTS (DAY 3)

 

Thailand 7 Singapore 6

China 8  Chinese Taipei  9

Philippines 31 Thailand 11

 

RESULTS FINAL DAY (Saturday)

 

Bronze medal – China 16 (Preliminary Round 3^rd placed) v Thailand 0 (Preliminary Round 4^th  placed)

 

Gold Medal – Chinese Taipei 8  (PR 1) V Philippines 2 (PR 2)

 

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Chinese Taipei
2. Philippines
3. China
4. Thailand
5. Singapore

(Top three teams qualify for World Cup in Mexico)