Hong Kong Blue Team Created History by Taking Home the TOTO WBSC HKIBO 2015 Crown
Text: Graeme Chan Image: 901 Media and Agency
The TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 has been a resounding success for everyone involved. The four-day baseball tournament saw eight teams from around the globe competing for the prestigious “Defenders Cup” that was generously donate d by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). At the end, Hong Kong Blue Team successfully created history by defeating Hong Kong Red Team in the final, taking home the championship trophy for the very first time.
Hong Kong Blue Team started the tournament with a bang by overpowering Singapore Storm Riders in the first match day. The Blue Team, largely made up of players from the Hong Kong National Team, then continued their good form by brushing off Vladivostok Tigers from Russia, as well as Taiwan Brett in the next two match days, punching their tickets for the championship final.
Little would have predicted that standing in their way from the crown would be the young squad players but promising Hong Kong Red Team. However, the elder players dully went on and gave their counterparts a great baseball lesson in the final by winning 17:2, claiming the “Defenders Cup” in the process.
Hong Kong Blue Team catcher Leung Ho-nam, who backstopped the team towards the TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 title, could not contain his excitement after the championship game. “I am very happy with the historical victory and it was made extra special as the opponent in the final was the Hong Kong Red Team, making the championship-decider virtually a Hong Kong Derby,” offered the Hong Kong Blue Team player. “The next target for us will be doing well in the East Asian Baseball Cup. It has always been a target for us and that has never wavered.”
Mr. Kazuhiro Hosokawa, Managing Director of TOTO (H.K.) Limited, offered his views on TOTO’s decision to return as the official title sponsor for the premier local baseball event. “We are very happy to come back to support the TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 because we want to see the game of baseball continues to develop and grow in Hong Kong. We hope the exciting performance of the players can inspire more people to take part in baseball in town,” said Mr. Hosokawa.
It is the fourth year for Hong Kong Baseball Association, with the subvention from the Arts and Sport Development Fund (ASDF) of the Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong SAR, to host this tournament for a total of 6 teams from North America, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan and USA, with two local teams from Hong Kong competing for the championship title this year.
The TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 has been a resounding success for everyone involved. The four-day baseball tournament saw eight teams from around the globe competing for the prestigious “Defenders Cup” that was generously donate d by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC). At the end, Hong Kong Blue Team successfully created history by defeating Hong Kong Red Team in the final, taking home the championship trophy for the very first time. Hong Kong Blue Team started the tournament with a bang by overpowering Singapore Storm Riders in the first match day. The Blue Team, largely made up of players from the Hong Kong National Team, then continued their good form by brushing off Vladivostok Tigers from Russia, as well as Taiwan Brett in the next two match days, punching their tickets for the championship final.
Little would have predicted that standing in their way from the crown would be the young squad players but promising Hong Kong Red Team. However, the elder players dully went on and gave their counterparts a great baseball lesson in the final by winning 17:2, claiming the “Defenders Cup” in the process.
Hong Kong Blue Team catcher Leung Ho-nam, who backstopped the team towards the TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 title, could not contain his excitement after the championship game. “I am very happy with the historical victory and it was made extra special as the opponent in the final was the Hong Kong Red Team, making the championship-decider virtually a Hong Kong Derby,” offered the Hong Kong Blue Team player. “The next target for us will be doing well in the East Asian Baseball Cup. It has always been a target for us and that has never wavered.”
Mr. Kazuhiro Hosokawa, Managing Director of TOTO (H.K.) Limited, offered his views on TOTO’s decision to return as the official title sponsor for the premier local baseball event. “We are very happy to come back to support the TOTO WBSC Hong Kong International Baseball Open 2015 because we want to see the game of baseball continues to develop and grow in Hong Kong. We hope the exciting performance of the players can inspire more people to take part in baseball in town,” said Mr. Hosokawa.
It is the fourth year for Hong Kong Baseball Association, with the subvention from the Arts and Sport Development Fund (ASDF) of the Home Affairs Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong SAR, to host this tournament for a total of 6 teams from North America, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan and USA, with two local teams from Hong Kong competing for the championship title this year.
Back to Notice List
