16 Teams to play in II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup

12U Baseball World Cup to be played from July 18 to 28, 2013 in Taipei City

The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) announces that 16 teams will compete from July 18 to 28, 2013 in the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in Tapei City, Chinese Taipei. This are the participating countries, split into two groups:

Group A: Chinese Taipei, Mexico, Japan, Italy, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Hong Kong
Group B: USA, Venezuela, Brazil, Korea, Panama, Nigeria, Russia, Pakistan

It is the first time in event history that the United States, Colombia, Czech Republic, India, Panama, Nigeria, Russia and Pakistan are competing in an IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup.

Teams are scheduled to arrive on July 16. During the first round from July 18 to 25 (rest day on July 23) a round robin will be played with the top four teams of each pool advancing to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinals (A1 vs B4, B1 vs A4, A2 vs B3, B2 vs A3) and semifinals are scheduled for July 26 and 27 with the Gold Medal Game and the Bronze Medal Game to be played on July 28.

Chinese Taipei won the inaugural edition of the IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in 2011, which also was played in Taipei City. Team CT defeated Cuba in a thrilling championship game, claiming the title. Venezuela, Mexico and Japan completed the top five. Brazil, Korea, Italy, Philippines, Ecuador, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Lithuania also participated. RESULTS OF I IBAF 12U BASEBALL WORLD CUP

Games at the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup will be played at Tien Mou Stadium and at Youth Park in Taipei City. The use of the curveball will be permitted at this tournament after a decision by the Executive Board earlier this year. However IBAF will remain committed to protect the health of young athletes through the rules of pitch count limitations and other restrictions.

The IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup embraces fully the notions of cultural diversity, the environment, drug awareness both socially and in sports, and working as a team. Rules for the event have been specially created by the IBAF Tournaments Commission, The Committee, composed of members from around the International baseball world and familiar with elite youth competition, conducted a lengthy study of the structures surrounding the 12 years and under game that is played in all of the continents.

More information about the II IBAF 12U Baseball World Cup in Taipei City will be published through www.ibaf.org in the coming weeks and months.

(From IBAF Website)