THE inaugural Alois King fast pitch tournament in Madang is heating up as softball teams look forward to challenge for supremacy in this year’s event.
The event, which will kick off tomorrow and end on Sunday, will certainly provide a lot of fireworks.
So far six men’s and seven women’s teams have confirmed to participate.
This years event sees dark horse Kalibobo in the men’s division for the first time start as hot favourites after their demolition of competition favourites GDC Kabiu, KKK 09ERS, Malangan and Colts during our normal competition which ended last week.
Kalibobo’s rise to the top has to be credited to their discipline batting and the pitcher-catcher combination of Joe Black and Raymond Diou.
It is believed that throughout the tournament the magic of Joe Black will continue to haunt batters at the Yabong park.
Former title holders Malangan and 09ERS will certainly want to make a mark for themselves.
Malangan has the services of former Kopex and Madang Kings pitcher Rolland Kakat who will be ably supported by Rei Manub who has been one of the best players so far in the competition. Last years title holders 09ERS with PNG live wire pitcher Meli Sipai Tarangau can add trouble to other teams if not watched carefully.
GDC Kabiu is one team who can turn all tables up-side down as they boost the best combination in former PNG pitcher Essau Vinarang who is making a big come-back with another international in Chris Karl from Ialibu.
However, it will come down to the wire as to who gets into the finals as the best discipline team will get through. Colts with the Upaupa brothers will certainly be a team to watch with Tigers relying heavily on Oben Tomong to bring them home on every occasion.
In the women’s division it will be an even and open tussle among Kalibobo, Bees, 09ERS, Idmon and Yamilon.
These teams start as favourites as they boost the bulk of representative players who have represented Madang over the years.
It is understood that the best batting team will make it to the finals. The tournament will be used as a yard stick to select players for the up-coming National titles in Port Moresby.