Taipei, Nov. 6 (CNA) Republic of China President Chen Shui-bian opened the 2001 34th World Cup Baseball Tournament Tuesday at the Tienmu Diamond in suburban Taipei.
In his address, Chen welcomed the 16 participating teams. Chen noted that the TV coverage of the competition will undoubtedly increase Taiwan's international exposure, adding that the event will prove that Taiwan is capable of sponsoring world-class competitions.
He noted that he declared last year that 2001 would be Taiwan's "year of baseball" and pointed out that with the concerted efforts of the government and the private sector, Taiwan has already sponsored the Asian Baseball Championship and the Youth Baseball Championship.
Chen also expressed his belief that the tournament will bring together new and old baseball fans.