W. Java women's softball team to play in tourney

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Baseball and Softball Association (Perbasasi) has selected the West Java women's softball team to represent the country in the Asia Softball Championships in Shanghai, China, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7.

One of the coaches of the West Java team, Wawan, said in Bandung on Monday that the championships would provide an opportunity for a tryout with other teams.

"West Java is certainly proud to be chosen for the Asian meet. The team was chosen following its victory in the 14th National Games (PON) last year," Wawan said as quoted by Antara.

His team consist of players currently in training for the 15th PON to be held in Surabaya, East Java, in 2000.

The Perbasasi regional office in Bandung will send 17 players and five officials to the tournament. Wawan said the team did not have a target for the tournament because it would face stiff competition from the other teams.

Among the players are Muchtiarah, Puri, Iyan Nurmala, Teti Widawati, Frida, Vina, Feby Wiliaziboa, Wida, Nani, Sri Nuratnadewi, Mulyati, Rini, Ratna, Ciki and Indri.

Apart from coaches Wawan and Dondi, the team will be assisted by officials Pramana, Heryawan and Dahlan Alkadiredja.

China, Japan, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, India and Indonesia will take part in the championships.

"We have not prepared well for the tournament but we hope we can pull off some surprises by at least beating teams in the same class as Indonesia," Wawan said.

He acknowledged that it would be difficult to beat China and Japan because the two countries were world ranked. "I am proud that the players have high motivation not to give up easily." (lnt)