Slow pitch season due to start today

JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-four men's teams and seven women's will see action at this year's 11th South East Asia International Slo- Pitch competition due to start today at the Jakarta International School in South Jakarta.

"This year's tournament is the largest and the most geographically diverse event in Asia," tournament chairman Joe C. Barlett said yesterday.

The men's teams are expected to come from Saudi Arabia, Japan, Hong Kong, Chinese Taipei, Philippines, Thailand and Singapore as well as teams from Riau, East Kalimantan, Bandung and host Jakarta. The women's squads are from Singapore, Riau, Bandung and Jakarta.

Defending champion Jakarta APL is likely to get strong challenge from a number of international teams, including the Singapore Islanders, three-time winner and the Jakarta PBI All- Stars which won the 1992 event.

Jakarta Kiani Metra All-Stars, the 1993 champion, will face tough competition from Jakarta League champion and four-time winner Jakarta Aqza Dharma in the women's event.

Perbasasi (Indonesian Amateur Baseball and Softball Association) officials are expected to officially open the tournament at 5 p.m. (rsl)