The New Zealand Black Sox will open their bid to regain the world softball title against Mexico this Friday in Auckland.
After losing their crown to Australian four years ago, New Zealand will have home advantage for the World Softball Championship, but face a tough draw that pits them against four-time champions Canada in pool play, along with Japan, Argentina, and Mexico.
The Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase says they're looking forward to the challenge and says after dominating the world champs for many year it's a different feeling to not go in as the reigning world champions.
The top four sides in both pool will go through to the play-offs while the top two, get a second life.
