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Ichiro vows to lead Japan to back-to-back WBC titles
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TOKYO, Feb. 28 (19:09) Kyodo
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Seattle Mariners star outfielder Ichiro Suzuki pledged Saturday
to lead Japan to its second consecutive World Baseball Classic title.
''We'll go out to win the Asian round. We then go to the United
States and will take the WBC title again. That would be so important
not only for baseball in Asia but the world as well,'' Suzuki told a
press conference at Tokyo Dome.
''We won the inaugural WBC, a tournament simply aimed at
deciding which country is the best in the world. Last year, South
Korea won the Beijing Olympic baseball tournament. These two Asian
nations have won the past two international baseball meets. I believe
that's very significant for the development of baseball in the
world,'' he said.
Suzuki has received an enthusiastic welcome from fans wherever
he goes since he started training in Japan for the WBC getting under
way Thursday.
Earlier this month, the weeklong WBC training camp drew tens of
thousands of fans each day, with reporters and camera crews following
his every move.
''Asian baseball needs to improve and help bring up the level of
the game for the world. I hope to see good relations and good
rivalries between the four teams in the Asian round,'' Suzuki said.
Japan plays the tournament's opener against China on Thursday
and South Korea meets Taiwan the next day. The top two teams will
advance to the second round in San Diego from Pool A.
Japan manager Tatsunori Hara also attended the press conference
along with Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yu Darvish and, like
Suzuki, was in bullish mood ahead of the tournament.
''Our top players have got together for this Japanese team from
around the world, so we want to show the world our strength,'' Hara
said. ''With our strong determination, we have no team to fear.''
Hara has left the Yomiuri Giants he manages during spring
training for the defense of Japan's WBC crown.
Darvish, meanwhile, voiced excitement over his first WBC.
''Great players represent their countries in the WBC. I look
forward to facing great hitters,'' said the 22-year-old, who has
drawn attention from major league scouts.
The Japanese team also features four other major leaguers --
Mariners catcher Kenji Jojima, Boston Red Sox right-hander Daisuke
Matsuzaka, the MVP of the 2006 tournament, Tampa Bay Rays second
baseman Akinori Iwamura and Chicago Cubs outfielder Kosuke Fukudome. |
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