Taiwan Sports Wrap

Wang sparkles

Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming (王建民) sparkled in his pre-season debut against the Minnesota Twins yesterday by pitching a perfect two innings to begin the game. Wang's heavy sinking fastball was in fine form, as he retired five of the six batters that he faced on ground balls in the Yankees' first official spring training game of the year. Wang needed just 19 pitches, 10 of them strikes, to collect his six outs.

Afterwards, one of Wang's teammates, third baseman Alex Rodriguez, said that playing behind Wang was a pleasure because he was assured of plenty of action fielding all the ground balls that Wang induces.

Medalist refused UAE visa

The World Eight-Ball Pool Championship got underway in Fujariah in the United Arab Emirates yesterday. Taiwan's Huang Kun-chang (黃焜璋), who won the silver medal at the Asian Games in Doha last December, will be unable to participate because he couldn't get a visa in time.

Instead Taiwan will be represented by just Wu Chia-ching (吳珈慶) and Hsia "The Assasin" Hui-kai (夏揮凱).

Anti-terrorism measures have created visa hassles for players from many different countries, including India, the Philippines and players from South and Central America.

Golf star starts well

Taiwanese golf star Wang Ter-chang (汪德昌), ranked 15th in Asia overall, made a solid start at the Johnnie Walker Classic golf tournament in Phuket, Thailand.

Wang shot a 68 on the par 72 course in the first round on Thursday to finish three strokes off of the lead, then a 70 during the second round yesterday to tie for sixth four strokes behind leader Wilson Oliver.

Taiwan mangles Maldives

After leading only 2-1 for most of the match, Taiwan's indoor soccer team exploded with four goals in 90 seconds with seven minutes left in its match against the Maldives on Thursday to win 6-1. The victory is Taiwan's first in the preliminary qualifier for the Asia Futsal Cup. Taiwan takes on the Philippines at 7pm today.

Baseball for charity

The President Lions and La New Bears officially opened the local baseball season by playing the first of two charity games yesterday in Taipei.

All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales was to be donated to local schools, and players also contributed autographed jerseys and equipment for a charity auction.

The game was attended by former US star and current coach of Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines Bobby Valentine, who came to Taiwan specially for the event.

He donated an autographed jersey for the cause.

Valentine also proposed that Taiwan, Japan and South Korea organize international matches between the three countries next year after the Olympic qualifier.