Li’l leaguers to dispute Asia berth in Williamsport

More than 200 boys aged 11 to 12 years will take center stage when the 2002 Asia Pacific Little League baseball tournament starts tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial ballpark where the winner earns a slot to this year’s Little League World Series.

The Philippines, to be represented by the International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM), is hell-bent on winning the crown and the right to represent the region in the World Series scheduled next month in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The last time the Philippines was represented in the same division, which is considered the flagship event of the World Series, was in 1992. The Filipinos eventually won the title in Pennsylvania but later faced a big controversy regarding eligibility rules.

Aside from the host country, also seeing action in the weeklong tournament are teams from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Saipan, New Zealand, Guam and Indonesia. Guam is the reigning Pacific champion while Japan is the reigning Asian and world champion.

Three games are scheduled tomorrow although the formal opening ceremony is scheduled at 9 a.m. Monday with President Arroyo as guest of honor of the tournament sponsored by PLDT, Jimini Whole Pizza and Nestle Ice Cream.

Out to represent the country are Gico Almendras, Carlos Borromeo, Blaine Denton, Paolo Mallari, Paolo Jalandoni, Aldo Panlilio, Hendra Marshall, Cody Gold, Alex Van der Gaag, Miko Diaz, Otis Pitney, Matt Laurel, Joeboy de Mesa and Miggy Domingo.