The Philippine Blu Girls’ journey to the 2026 Women’s Softball World Cup took an unexpected turn after heavy rains in Xi’an, China forced the cancellation of the medal matches at the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil) president and Cebuana Lhuillier CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier remains hopeful of getting a slot for next year’s World Cup via the wild card entry.
“It’s unfortunate that weather played a role in the outcome, but I’m extremely proud of how our Blu Girls fought. We still have a chance via the wild card, and I believe in this team’s potential to represent the Philippines on the world stage,” he said.
With the bad weather halting play, tournament officials decided to base the final standings on elimination round results as Japan (9-0), China (8-1) and Chinese Taipei (7-2) claimed the three World Cup slots.
The Philippines, which placed fourth with a 6-3 record, was supposed to face Chinese-Taipei in a bronze medal match for the last World Cup berth but the games was called off due to unplayable field conditions.
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Still, the Blu Girls put together a dominant campaign. They racked up emphatic wins over Thailand (15-1), Korea (7-0), India (15-0), Malaysia (14-0), Singapore (13-0), and Hong Kong (12-0). Their only losses came at the hands of softball giants Japan, host China and Chinese Taipei.
With a wild card slot still up for grabs, the Blu Girls continue to keep their eyes on the prize — and the dream of making it to the World Cup remains within reach.
