Hosts China overcome early scare to win

Hosts China overcame a rude early shock to trail New Zealand to chalk a convincing 8-3 win in their opening Group A match in the WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania Qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Shanghai Chongming Sports Training Center.

New Zealand did their Hakka dance traditional war dance of the Maori which is a custom of New Zealand sports teams before the commencement of the game. It is a challenge to the opponents but also a show of respect for the ability of the opponent they are facing.

Whether it intimidated the Chinese players or not, New Zealand carried on their zeal on the ground to take a three run lead on top of the second.

Costly errors by catcher Yuan Huai Nin when she failed to catch clean from third base Liu Lili after Melanie Gettins reaches on fielders choice, saw Hailey Breeakway from third base and Pallas Potter from second base score for two runs.

Merean Maker grounds out next for Krysta Hoani to score for a 3-0 lead.

China who were having defensive problems managed to recover when in the bottom of third, they got back into the game off Yuan Huia Ning run from a singles up the middle by Chen Juan Huai Ning.

New Zealand on the other hand, had pitcher problems and made three changes which saw Jennifer Feret replaced by Courtney Gettins before she was replaced by Rita Hokianga in the fifth and six innings.

But that did not stop the Chinese who went on overdrive to chalk five runs on the bottom of sixth to virtually determine their win.

Bases clearing double by Jia Chen!!! 💪 💪#RoadToTokyo #Softbol pic.twitter.com/qvP7momwXF

— WBSC Softball #RoadToTokyo (@WBSCsoftball) September 24, 2019

With New Zealand failing to gain any runs in the final inning, it was sweet victory for China.

“It is not the best way to chalk a win, but I am glad that we recovered from the early deficit to get back to the game win,” said China’s American coach Corey Myers.

“We have tougher games ahead, and in a way I am glad that we had to come from behind to win because it will serve us well for our remaining tough games against Korea and Philippines and the Super round.

“The players showed good character to get back into the game despite having some defensive issues in the early stages.

“In the end, it was a great start to the tournament, but we have to keep on improving.”

New Zealand coach Stanely Doney said his team crumbled under pressure.

“We started off well and were three up and had opportunities to take a further lead but we failed to make use of the chances. That plus our pitching problem, caused us the game.

“We know have to regroup and return tomorrow for another tough encounter against Korea.”