ILLAM yields to powerhouse Taiwan in World Series regional eliminator

MANILA, Philippines - The International Little League Association of Manila (ILLAM) 12-under team  recorded an impressive run in the recent Asia Pacific and Middle East Regional Tournament in Guilin, China, its  march to the Little League World Series cut short only with a semifinal loss to Chinese-Taipei.

The Philippines dominated Pool A of the regional finals, breezing past Hong Kong, China, Saudi Arabia and traditional baseball heavyweight Saipan.

The tournament was held in Guilin July 14-20.

ILLAM suffered its only loss at the hands of powerhouse Chinese-Taipei 11-6, in a spectacular nail-biting, do or die semifinal battle in the division, the centerpiece event of the Little League World Series held yearly at its home in Williamsports, Pennsylvania.

Chinese-Taipei then went on to defeat defending World Little League title holder Korea in the finals, 3-2.

Chinese-Taipei will  represent the Asia Pacific and Middle East Region in the upcoming Little League World Series set Aug. 20-30 in Williamsport.

The team was composed of players from  ILLAM, the community organization inspiring the sport’s return to the country.

The members of the team were Kean Agcaoili, Joaquin Casanova, Ohmid Halabisaz, Gabby Mendoza, Joaquin Mendoza, Jakob Poturniak, Alex Puen, Rico Samson, Matthew San Juan, Xabi Tengco, and Zachary Urbina.

The team was led by manager Lillian Golez Urbina, University of the Philippines’ baseball head coach Anthony Dizer who was assisted by members of his coaching staff –  Ruel Batuto and Alex Razon.

Little League, formed by an act of the US Congress, has membership  of over 40,000 worldwide.