WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL B - CZECH REPUBLIC VS CHINA

March 10, 2023

Xin Qi

Yusuke Masago

Tokyo Dome

Team China

Pregame Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: Now let's start Team China pregame press conference. Along with outfielder Mr. Yusuke Masago and tomorrow's starting pitcher, Xin Qi.

Q. Mr. Masago, what is in your mind right now?

YUSUKE MASAGO: Yes, we just played last night. I was so excited. Although we were defeated by Japan, but the tournament is still going on. So try to do our best and try to get our first win of the tournament.

Q. For tomorrow's starting pitcher,?

XIN QI: It's my first time in the WBC and I want to show the world what I have. Last night you played against Japan's top team, including Shohei Ohtani, and throughout your experience, what was in your mind? Last night, you spoke a little bit briefly, but once again, I want you to tell us the impression of Shohei Ohtani, as well as Team Japan. And also, if some of your teammates mentioned specific comments about Ohtani, let us know, please.

YUSUKE MASAGO: Yes, we played against the same stage last night. It was such an honor, that moment.

And talking about Shohei Ohtani, his every single pitch was great. Personally, it's such a valuable at-bat when I face against Ohtani. I had a lot of fun.

Q. What about your teammates, what did they say?

YUSUKE MASAGO: From the teammate, they recognize that Ohtani is one of the greatest athletes in the world. They were so excited and everybody recognized and talked about how great Ohtani is.

XIN QI: This is the first time I ever met Shohei Ohtani in person. I feel very honored and glad to compete on the same field with Ohtani, and I feel like Ohtani is very big and strong and the velocity is very high; so he's very impressive.

Q. So in China, baseball isn't the biggest sport. Can you tell me how -- question for both of you -- how you got into baseball, and was there a player or a hero that you looked up to as you began? Thank you.

XIN QI: My favorite player, the star player I like is the Japanese player, Tang Xiao (ph) I'm not sure how to pronounce it in Japanese.

But as I grew up, I started to know baseball in primary school because there was a baseball team in the school, and he fell in love with it at first sight. After growing up in middle school and high school, I continued to play baseball and got selected to the Beijing Tigers, the pro team. I have been with the pro team for 14 years.

YUSUKE MASAGO: Yes, me personally, I started playing baseball when I was little. Fortunately, I had an opportunity playing such a big international tournament, I can't thank enough to my parents. I just wanted to say thank you.

Generally speaking, baseball in China is growing up, and I have a feeling that Team China is going to be strong year by year in the future. All I can do is try to do my best to lead Chinese baseball for the future.