Jakarta hosts softball tourney

JAKARTA (JP): The 15th annual Southeast Asia Slo-Pitch Softball Tournament takes to the field at the Senayan sports complex today.

Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Agung Leksono and U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia J. Stapleton Roy will throw out the first pitches at 3 p.m., a statement from the United States Information Service said yesterday.

The tournament includes teams from Indonesia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Thailand and other countries in the region. There will be 18 men's teams and six women's squads competing for the "Best in Southeast Asia" title.

All games are open to the public free of charge. The first game begins today at 4 p.m. following the opening ceremony. The championship game is at 1 p.m. on Sunday. (jun)