Australia continued their winning ways as they easily disposed of Hong Kong China 8-0 in five innings and qualify as the top of the Group B in the WBSC Softball Asia/Oceania Qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the Shanghai Chongming Sports Training Center.
Australia have confirmed themselves as one of the favourites in tournament together with home team China, can could well battle it against each other in the final Super Round tie on Saturday for the single Tokyo Olympics ticket form this last qualifying round.
Australia play second placed Philippines from Group A tomorrow.
Hong Kong tried hard against Australia today, but the latter were proved to be too strong for them,
Despite what looked like an easy game, Australian coach Robert Harrow Robert said that there is never an easy game.
“Every game is a tough game. It is just that we had everything going for us today and the team is improving with each game,” said Harrow.
“We are looking forward to the Super rounds and against Philippines is definitely going to be tough one. But we are prepared for the challenge and hopefully our final match against China will be determining game for the Olympic ticket.”
On Wednesday, Harrow was counting on Philippines to beat New Zealand today as he did not fancy meeting White Sox.
This evening, Australia began their demolition in the bottom 2, when Parry Leah singles to right field for Taglah Tsitsikronis to put Australia in lead before Cox Michelle triples to deep right for Rachel Lack and Leah to score, before Stacey McManus doubles down left field line for Michelle to give Australia a 4-0 lead.
Hong Kong China changed their pitcher to bring in Tang Wai San for Hui Kat Yan but Carmelle Sorenson singles down left field line and Mc Manus gets in another run for 5-0.
In the next inning, Parry who had earlier stolen to 2nd base, picked up her second run off Michelle singles to the left centre before McManus triples to the right field for Michelle to also get in her second run for 7-0 lead.
Australia continued their domination with Sorenson’s home run hit to the deep right in the bottom 4, for an 8-0 lead before the game ended in the 5th inning when Korea failed to get any runs.
