Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences Successfully Defended Phoenix Cup Crown

Defending champion Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences showed off their champion-caliber and successfully defended the Asia Insurance Phoenix Cup 2015 crown, overpowering fellow Japanese side Far East Bloomers 23:2 in the championship game.

Osaka University of Health and Sports Sciences excelled once again in the four-day tournament and took home the trophy in dominating fashion. Team captain Tomimoto Miyuki revealed it was an honor to be crowned as the Phoenix Cup 2015 champion. “There was pressure entering the tournament as the defending champion but the team was really focused on taking it one game at a time,” said the slick-fielding infielder. “We managed to take home the trophy at the end and I am sure the rest of the team is very happy with the outcome.”

Hong Kong Allies finished the tournament in a disappointing 5th place. Catcher Lau Tsz-chin could not contain her disappointment at the result. “We performed generally okay throughout the tournament and had enough quality in the side to go for a higher place. However, some of our clutch performances might have let us down and that was pretty much the difference,” Lau pointed out. “Hopefully, the younger players will gain some experience from this year’s tournament and come back stronger and better next year.”

Mr. Philip Li, President of the Hong Kong Baseball Association, offered his appreciation to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and Asia Finance for their generous support to the Phoenix Cup tournament. “I want to thank the Hong Kong SAR Government and Asia Finance for their unwavering support to the Phoenix Cup,” Mr. Li said. “Under the limited resources of the Hong Kong Baseball Association, we are extremely honored to host the Phoenix Cup tournament. We will continue to do our best and contribute to the hopeful return of baseball back into the Olympics family.”

Mr. Jonathan McKinley, Deputy Secretary of Home Affairs, was delighted with the organization of this year’s Phoenix Cup tournament. “I am glad to witness more than 100 players coming from Japan, Korea, Australia, Chinese Taipei and Singapore to compete in this year’s Phoenix Cup,” expressed Mr. McKinley. “The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to support local baseball teams and players, and look forward to see them competing in different major tournaments.”

Text: Graeme Chan
Images: 901 Media