Phl clouters open bid in AsPac-ME LL

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines and Chinese-Taipei tangle early to highlight the start of hostilities in the 2013 Asia/Pacific-Middle East Tournament today at the Clark Freeport Zone’s Parade Grounds.

The Pinoy bets, represented by Tanauan City, face off with the Taiwanese in Junior League Baseball (13-14) at 9 a.m. as the two nations spice up a heavy 22-game opening-day slate in the different brackets spread over seven fields.

Five other Phl representatives launch their bids for berths in the World Series against separate rivals: Tanauan versus Indonesia in Little League Baseball (11-12); Iloilo against Indonesia in Little League Softball; NCR against Saipan in the new 50/70 division (11-13); ILLAM versus Thailand in Senior League Baseball (14-16); and Muntinlupa against Guam in Big League Baseball (16-18).

The tournament will mark the first time that all Little League baseball and softball divisions will play at the same time in a single venue. It will also be the first AsPac regional meet to include the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates sending teams this year.

A total of 47 teams from 15 countries are taking part in the seven-day event backed by Clark Development Corp., the Philippine Sports Commission and KFC. The Philippines is fielding entries in all nine divisions, including reigning World Series champ Manila South in Big League Softball, which unwraps tomorrow.

“We’re all set. All the teams are here and everything’s okay,” said Little League Philippines district administrator Jolly Gomez.

The delegates include 55 Taiwanese, who are fielding three teams here despite the strained relations between Phl and Chinese-Taipei. 

“The Taiwanese team arrived safe and sound and they’re very happy with the reception they’re getting,” said Gomez. 

Organizers expect the weather to cooperate after tropical storm “Gorio” passed the country on the eve of the tournament.

“We were earlier concerned about the weather but thankfully, it has improved,” said Gomez.

A formal opening is slated at 7:30 a.m. with officials from CDC, the US Embassy, the Taiwan Economic Coordinating Council, the Mayor of Guam, and BH Cho of Little League Asia-Pacific in attendance.