Team USA led by Mike Candrea is a hot favourite at the current ISF XI Women's Fast Pitch World Championship held in Beijing. After beating Italy 6-1 in Pool A on August 27, Candrea expressed satisfaction at the team's opening win and said he could have a good sleep and then prepare for next day's game against DPR Korea.

Mike Candrea has been US team's coach for many years. This time, to avoid jetlag, he led the team to Beijing days before the tournament and the players started training the second day after their arrival, thanks to the thoughtful arrangement of the local organizing committee.

As a senior softball coach Candrea thought teams from China, Japan, Canada and Australia will pose great challenges to the US team. He had watched the training and competition of these teams and felt the game with China would be one of the most challenging. However, said a confident Candrea, being in top form, his players are looking forward to meeting their rivals in the following days.

As world No. 1 in women's softball, the US squad has swept the gold medals at the last three Olympic Games.