Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea-where the game is played professionally-fielded their top professional squads, and the PRC-newly turned professional this year-fought through to secure a place in the final round. The mainland team even brought in an American coach, making their intentions to be a major player very clear.
職棒系統發達的台、日和南韓紛紛派出最佳職業陣容應戰，今年才成立職棒的中國隊更是整軍經武，並延聘美籍教練帶隊，展現一爭長短的決心。