Pictures by Eagle Photography
Host Chinese Taipei, despite disruptions by the rain which saw their game against Singapore postponed yesterday evening and again in this morning’s ‘postponed’ match being halted for 34 minutes after the end of first inning, strolled to win 15-0 in three innings.
Chinese Taipei because of the postponed match yesterday, will now have to play three matches today in the second day fixtures of the U15 Women’s Softball Asia Cup at the Fu-Hsing Softball Stadium in Puli Township, Nantou, Chinese Taipei.
Head coach Chen Me-Fen was not so much concerned about the three matches today or even her team’s opponents, but said that the rain would be their biggest opponent.
“We had to make several adjustments to our play because of the wet ground and also having to cope with the postponed match yesterday and again this morning, when play had to be halted,” said Chen.
“We just wanted to end the game fast against Singapore, as we have another two games today.”
Chinese Taipei had ten hits and no errors, whereas Singapore had no hits and five errors.
“I just hope the rain will not create any more havoc. We are more concerned about the rain, rather than out opponents,” Chen prayed.
Having said that, Chen declared that as host, they want to win the inaugural Asia Cup.
“We just do not want to qualify among the two teams, but win the tournament too.
“We are aware that Japan are favourites and Korea and Philippines too could pose problems, but I believe in my team.
“I watched Japan in action yesterday against Singapore (14-0) and I believe we are about the same standard and have planned a few strategies for them after watching them play.”
The Chinese Taipei team had a selection process in April and have been in training for a month for this tournament.
Chinese Taipei had another easy game against India in their second match of the day, when they outclassed them 10-0.
Earlier, India had suffered their second consecutive defeat, when favourites Japan defeated them 10-0 to chalk their second consecutive win after demolishing Singapore yesterday.
Japan had eight hits and no errors, while India had no hits and five errors.
Japan’s will be put to real test of their superiority this evening when they take on Philippines who are also unbeaten after two matches and have an all-important victory over Korea (2-1) yesterday.
Chinese Taipei’s first test beside the weather, will come when they play Korea in their third match of the day this evening.
Singapore with their loss to Chinese Taipei, have lost two matches having gone down to Japan yesterday.
They play Hong Kong this evening, which could be a more evenly contested match.
Hong Kong went down to Korea earlier 2-17, after having one win under their belt when they defeated India narrowly 2-1 yesterday.
For Korea, after their close defeat to Philippines 1-2 yesterday, it was redemption time against Hong Kong to stay in the race for the two berths to qualify for the World Cup in Japan in October.
Korea will play in a do-or-die game against host Chinese Taipei in the final game of the day this evening.
Chinese Taipei won their second game awhile ago and as said earlier they really made short of the game to thrashed India 16-0 in 3 innings for the latter’s third consecutive defeat.
TODAY’S RESULTS- DAY 2 (JUNE 14 – WEDNESDAY)
8.00am Chinese Taipei 15 Singapore 0 (postponed match from yesterday due to unplayable conditions after heavy rain).
9.00am Japan 10 India 0
10.30am Korea 17 Hongkong 2
12.00pm India 0 Chinese Taipei 16
1.30pm Singapore Hong Kong
3.00pm Philippines Japan
4.30pm Chinese Taipei Korea
DAY 1 (Tuesday) RESULTS:
9.00am Philippines 6 India 0
10.30am Japan 14 Singapore 0 (Run ahead win after 4 innings. The U15 plays a total of 5 innings)
12.00 pm Hong Kong 2 India 1
1.30pm Philippines 2 Korea 1
4.00pm Chinese Taipei v Singapore (match postponed owing to unplayable conditions after heavy rain).
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (JUNE 15- THURSDAY)
9.00am Korea v Singapore
10.30am Hongkong v Chinese Taipei
12.00pm India v Korea
1.30pm Japan v Hong Kong
3.00pm Philippines v Chinese Taipei