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• 08 / 06 / 2008

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"It was an extremely hard-fought tournament, in which the kids, despite all the difficulties, were able to stand strong and reach a result compared to those by great champions," Lombillo told Prensa Latina exclusively.

"Baseball competitive level has increased in all categories and proof of that is that South Koreans have ratified their champion title over Japan, the United States and Cuba. We have won the third position today, but we will get ready to recover the world title," the Cuban manager said.

Upon arrival at the Jose Marti airport, the Lombillo's team was welcomed by Esteban Lazo, Cuban government vice president.

At the ceremony, Anay Tejeda, world winner of bronze medal in the 60 meters hurdle, read for them a congratulation message by the Cuban sportspeople that are currently in the Chinese city of Beijing.

Cuban Young Communist League National Bureau member Roylan Rodriguez Barban welcomed the baseball team officially, congratulated it for its performance in the competition, and handed over to the team, on behalf of the youth organization, a painting with image of the Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro, pitching in a baseball game, with an excerpt of his most recent reflections at the bottom:

"You are, with this huge exploit, the inspiration for a whole heroic country, as ours."

At the end of the ceremony, Lombillo, on behalf of the tem, asked Esteban Lazo to "give the Cup they won in the world competition to Commander Fidel Castro, the best manager in the world," the coach said.

(PL)