Softball: White Sox geared up for world champs

An inexperienced but enthusiastic White Sox team have left for the world championships with their hearts set on a place in the 2008 Olympic Games.

The White Sox on Saturday flew to Indonesia, where they have a series of build-up games before the start of the world championships at the Olympic venue in Beijing on August 27.

The side will be based in Jakarta, where they will play men's club and provincial teams to help them to acclimatise and adapt to the frenetic pitching they will face from their opponents this month.

The 17-strong side includes four players aged 20 or under. Looking to make their international debuts are teenagers Carmelle Sorensen and Katrina Stockford. Infielder Tianna Areiiti, 22, is also new to the team.

At the other end, captain Fiona Timu and Melisa Upu will be lining up in their fourth world championship.

"There is a bit of inexperience there," Timu concedes. "It is important that those who have been to other big tournaments help the others. I remember going to my first one. It is a bit of a learning curve."

The team was selected at the end of May. They have had three week-long camps where they have faced pitchers from the world champion Black Sox side.

"In past world championships it has taken us a while to adjust to the speed of the ball," Timu said. "We just don't see that kind of speed here."

The 16 teams in the championships have been divided into two pools. The top four from each advance to the playoffs.

New Zealand are ranked fourth equal in their pool with Italy behind world champions the United States, China and Canada.

The top four from the championships automatically qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which will be the last Olympics to include softball.

New Zealand have competed in seven world championships. They were champions in 1982, and on three other occasions have finished in the top three.

Not a bad record considering women's softball is a lot more competitive than the men, who struggle to compete against baseball.

America and Asia boast fully professional women's competitions, giving them a significant advantage when the world championships roll around.

But Timu is not fazed.

"The key for us will be believing in ourselves and each other," she said.

"Everyone has been working really hard ... you get to a point where you just want to play."

New Zealand's first match is on August 27 against Canada at 5pm (NZT).

2006 WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Beijing China, August 27- September 5

New Zealand squad
* Pitchers: Michal Tangaroa, Ali Arnold, Sheree Cartwright.
* Catchers: Cindy Potae, Carmelle Sorensen.
* Infield: Fiona Timu (c), Shirley Povey, Tianna Areaiiti, Nadia Mauriohooho, Amanda Preston, Katrina Stockford.
* Outfield: Melanie Hulme, Melisa Upu, Ngamoko Hiku, Kalala Gabriel, Brooke Lockhart.
* Utility: Maleme Williams.
* Head coach: Mike Walsh. Assistants: Roman Gabriel, Gina Weber.