In a nation crazy about table tennis, American coach of the Chinese national baseball team said in Beijing on Sunday that his goal is to help China become the No.1 team in Asia.

 

After sweeping 9-2 over Czech Republic, host China had two wins at the international baseball tournament which started Saturday.

 

China's American coach James Lefebvre said that baseball is gaining popularity in the host country of the 2008 Olympics.

 

"Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei are the top teams in Asia, but now China is coming up. Our goal is to become the No. 1 team in Asia someday," said Lefebvre, who took helm of the Chinese team in 2003.

 

However, Lefebvre pointed out that Chinese players have a long way to go.

 

"They need to get stronger, play more competitions and gain more experience," he said.

 

In the US, the world top baseball powerhouse, players usually play 162 games in one season, while Japanese players have 144 games and Koreans have 130.

 

"Our Chinese players only play 30 games in one season, which is also shorter than the season in the US for about six months," Lefebvre said.

 

China will play Japan on Monday in its last group game. Both teams now have two wins, while the Czech Republic and France each conceded two loss.

 

Lefebvre revealed that he will try to send all the Chinese players on the field for the rest of the competition.

 

"Our goal is to use everyone in the team. So that they can feel the field and proudly say to others that they play for China en route to the Olympic Games."

 

"I hope baseball can be more popular and they become big stars in the country," Lefebvre said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 20, 2007)