Player shot during cup match

A HONG Kong player at the women's baseball World Cup in Venezuela was shot in the leg during a game against Netherlands on Friday, throwing the tournament into turmoil.

A local newspaper, Ultimas Noticias reported on its website that Venezuela's vice-president, Elias Jaua, had said on state television that the player, who was not identified, had been taken to a medical centre and was out of danger.

Yesterday's games were suspended, and organisers will decide on the outcome of the championship amid unconfirmed reports that some teams are considering whether to leave.

The incident occurred on the second day of the tournament, which is being held at a military garrison in Caracas. The Australian Baseball Federation issued a statement saying their team were at the stadium at the time of the incident as they were due to play in the next game. "Needless to say, the game was abandoned and all teams were ushered immediately back to their hotels under tight security," ABF said.