BASEBALL/Tseng Hao-jiu officially named Team Taiwan manager for 2026 WBC

Taipei, April 23 (CNA) Tseng Hao-jiu (曾豪駒) was officially named the manager of Taiwan's national team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Wednesday.

Tseng thanked the selection committee of Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) for the appointment.

In November 2024, Tseng led a modest roster to victory in the WBSC Premier12, securing Taiwan's first-ever world championship in a major senior-level tournament of its national sport.

However, for the time being, he will continue to prioritize his CPBL team, the Rakuten Monkeys, while utilizing his spare time to observe and coordinate the affairs of the national team, Tseng said.

The main focus right now is to observe the players before training begins in January 2026, Tseng said, explaining that he needs to be up to date on their fitness and playing level before the event begins.

The 2026 WBC will take place in early March, with Taiwan joining reigning champions Japan, along with Australia, South Korea, and the Czech Republic in Pool C.

In response to rumors that Japan and South Korea view Taiwan as a formidable opponent, Tseng said it is an "honor" to be viewed in that way, adding he is happy to compete against such strong opponents.

"I hope [we] can put on a good performance and close the distance through these challenges," he said.

The CPBL said official preparations for the competition will begin in early May, when it will announce the appointment of scouts. Two to three additional people are expected to be chosen, who will report to the manager on a monthly basis.