(Press Release; WBSC AMERICAS BASEBALL).- The
Pan American tournament, qualifier for the Baseball World Cup5, starts this
Thursday at the Bolivarian Dome in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.
The countries of Puerto Rico,
Mexico and Cuba arrive in Venezuela to compete with the host for one of three
spots being disputed for the World Cup of the category that will take place
this year in Hong Kong.
Two years ago the first world
championship of the category was held in Mexico, with Cuba winning the gold
medal, Japan completing the podium with Chinese Taipei, while Venezuela ended
fourth in the tournament.
These four nations will not
only compete for a spot in Hong Kong, but they will also do so to travel as the
champion of America and play against the best in the world.
Up to four games will be
played daily, starting on Thursday at 5pm with the confrontation between Mexico
and Cuba, followed by Puerto Rico against host Venezuela.
The first day is completed by
Venezuela facing Cuba and then Puerto Rico will clash against Mexico. The same
nations will face each other at least twice in the Opening Round.
The best team qualifies
directly to the final, while the teams that finish second and third will meet
in a semifinal to determine the other rival for the decisive game.
(Media Department; Guillermo Yáber Llanos)