Host's baseball team eyes historic win over ROK

GUANGZHOU - Two years ago, Hou Fenglian gave China's baseball team its first Olympic victory by delivering a walk-off hit against Chinese Taipei at the Beijing Summer Games.

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Now, the 30-year-old, who plans to retire from the national team following the Guangzhou Asian Games, expects to lead his team to another historic victory as it takes on the Republic of Korea (ROK), the gold medalist in Beijing, in the semifinals.

World No 3 Japan faces defending champion Chinese Taipei in the other semifinal.

"For many years, our goal has been to stand on the podium. The chance is bigger in Guangzhou, but it won't be easy since the other three teams are world-class," Hou said.

Since baseball was included in the Asian Games in 1994, China has always set its goal at wining a medal. That has proved elusive, though, as its best showing is fourth place, which it has managed in four consecutive tournaments.

"(Hou) is going to retire, and hopefully he'll go with a bang," China manager Thomas Lawless said after his side defeated Thailand 7-0 in its last group game on Tuesday.

Lawless appears more optimistic about the upcoming game against the two-time Asiad champion ROK.

"We get a chance. That's all we ask for," the American said. "It's always Japan, Chinese Taipei, the ROK and us. It's time to go and get them, to win a game or maybe two.

"There's always hope because baseball is a fun game. You don't have to be the best to win. You just need to be the best that night. We'll go out there and work hard. Hopefully, by the time the game is over, we are the winners."