Blu Boys face Colombia in world softball opener

MANILA, Philippines - The Blu Boys face Colombia on March 1 as they open their campaign in the 2013 International Softball Federation (ISF) World Men’s Softball Championships in Auckland, New Zealand.

The Philippines  is  in Group B together with top ranked teams New Zealand which finished second to Australia in 2009, Asian champion Japan, two-time world champion Canada, and other qualifiers Argentina, Mexico, and Netherlands.

“Our best chance is to beat Mexico, which we  did in 2009, Netherlands, and Argentina, I also like our chances against Colombia in our first game. We play powerhouse Canada for our second game and if the boys come up with a decent  showing against the Canadians, it will be  a great mental booster, “ said Asaphil president Jean Henri Lhuillier, adding that  the boys are acclimatizing already and playing tune up games in New Zealand.

Asaphil operations manager Jun Veloso, who is with the team in Auckland says, “the  team is getting used to  the weather  already, it was colder there in Japan last year at the Asian championships. Morale is high and we  are playing tune-up games everyday.”

The Blu Boys won one and lost one against the Czech Republic team  but also lost to the Canadians.

After Colombia and Canada, the Philippines played  Argentina, Mexico, Netherlands, Japan, and host country New Zealand.