Blu Boys gain berth in World Championship

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines trounced Singapore, Hong Kong and India to place second behind powerhouse Japan in the 11th Asian Men’s Softball Championship in Nimi, Japan and clinch a berth in the World Championship in New Zealand next year.

The Blu Boys stamped their class over the Singaporeans, 6-1, thwarted the Hong Kong side, 5-3, before blasting the Indians, 10-1, to finish second behind Japan, which clobbered the Phl twice, 8-0, and 10-1.

“We are proud of our boys’ performance and again, it shows that we are among the top three softball teams in Asia,” said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier.

The Blu Boys are actually set to face the Indonesians in today’s page system play-off game among the top four teams. But regardless of the outcome, the Philippines is already assured of a spot in the World Men’s Softball Championship slated in March next year in North Shore, New Zealand.

Still, the Blu Boys vowed to go all out to get another crack at defending titlist Japan for a shot at the championship.

The Phl beat Indonesia, 2-0, in the elim. The Indonesians edged out the HK side, 2-1, in the other play-off game.