A record-setting 12 teams opened today the XIV Men’s Softball European Championship in Havlíčkův Brod, Czech Republic. The event serves as the European qualifier for the WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship; to be held in Prague next year.

Czech Softball announced last weekend the official schedule of the Intercontinental Softball Cup, to be held in Prague from August 28 to September 1. The organization unveiled also the official website of the tournament both in Czech and English languages.

World N° 3 Japan claimed the 10th Asian Men’s Softball Championship, defeating N° 17 Philippines 4-0 in the final game. Both teams, along with Singapore, qualified for the XVI WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship.

The 10th Men’s Softball Asian Championship is set to begin on Monday in Jakarta, Indonesia, with nine teams from across Asia competing over the six-day event. It will be the first time the event is played in Indonesia.

PRAGUE — The last days of summer will make Czech Republic the center of the men’s softball world. The picturesque city of Prague will be the site of the new WBSC-sanctioned Intercontinental Cup, which will run from 28 August to 1 September.

Jurry Manaka wanted to be a soccer player. But in 1997, as a 15 year old student, he was forced to turn to softball. He is now regarded as the greatest player his country has ever produced