VENEZUELA – The Dominican Republic edged Puerto Rico 5-4 in the championship game at the Latin American Regional Tournament held June 19-28 in Maracaibo, Venezuela. No international squad has won the Big League championship since Puerto Rico claimed the title in 2002.

The Dominicans, who toppled Puerto Rico 13-9 in their first encounter, claimed wins in their first three outings before falling to Venezuela (District 2), 7-6. However, the tournament champion regrouped to win their final four games to clinch a trip to the Little League World Series.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Dominican Republic
2. Puerto Rico
3. Venezuela (District 5)
4. Curacao
5. Venezuela (District 2)
6. Bahamas
7. Aruba

GUAM WINS ASIA-PACIFIC BIG LEAGUE CROWN

Guam and the Dominican Republic became the first two squads to book their tickets to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania later this summer.

Guam captured the Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament title with a 9-2 victory against CNMI in the title game. The tourney was held from June 23-28 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

CNMI entered the championship match with a 3-0 record and had beaten Guam 5-1 in their first meeting. However, Guam rebounded with a 3-2 win against the Philippines to reach the championship and then captured the tournament crown in a lopsided affair.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Guam
2. CNMI
3. Philippines
4. Indonesia

U.S. REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

Southwestern Regional Tournament
Ruston, Louisiana (District 5)
July 17 – 23

Southeast Regional Tournament
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (District 21)
July 17 – 21

Western Regional Tournament
Bremerton, Washington (District 2)
July 19 – 24

Eastern Regional Tournament
Dover, Delaware (District 1)
July 19 – 25

Central Regional Tournament
Wyoming, Michigan (District 9)
July 19 – 25

INTERNATIONAL REGIONAL TOURNAMENTS

EMEA Regional Tournament
Utena, Lithuania
July 6 – 11

Canadian Regional Tournament
Windsor, Ontario
July 20 – 26

RECENT CHAMPIONS
2008 – South Carolina District 7
2007 – South Carolina District 1
2006 – District 13 California
2005 – South Carolina District 1
2004 – South Carolina District 1
2003 – South Carolina District 1
2002 – Puerto Rico
2001 – District 62 Westminster, California
2000 – District 3 Fraser Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Photo courtesy of roadtowilliamsport.com

Tags: LLWS