Another Big Chance Looms for S. Korean Baseball.

(From Korea Times)

BUSAN _ The star-studded South Korean baseball team embarks on its hunt for a second straight Asian Games gold medal in their opener against China at Sajik Baseball Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Seeking maintain the fame they have built over the past decade through strong showings on the international stage, the team will have all strategies in place with most members selected from the nation's first-division professional league.

In order to help the team, the Korea Baseball Organization decided to stop league play during the Asian Games. By contrast, their biggest threat, Japan, has picked up all its members from amateur and second-tier professional leagues.

Despite football's surging popularity following the World Cup, baseball remains the most popular sport in South Korea in terms of the number of fans nationwide. South Korea's ``Dream Team,'' comprising a number of star players from the national professional league, will compete with rivals Japan and Chinese Taipei for the highest prize.

On Thursday, Japanese baseball officials announced their nation's 22-man roster for the Asian Games, comprising 12 players from the professional league and 10 amateurs from corporate leagues. Among the professionals are outfielder Katsuhiro Nishiura of the Nippon Ham Fighters and pitcher Hiroya Tani of the Yomiuri Giants.

After a round-robin competition among five countries _ South Korea, Japan, China, Chinese Taipei and the Philippines _ the top four teams will advance to the knock-out phase, with first place taking on fourth place. Japan, which has been cautious about its chances in Busan, will play its first game tomorrow against Taiwan.