Hong Kong quits baseball event after Caracas shooting
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Hong Kong women's baseball player Cheuk Woon Yee Sinny (R) leaves a hotel in Caracas August 15, 2010.
Hong Kong pulled out of the Women's Baseball World Cup in Venezuela on Saturday after one of its players was shot in the leg during a game in Caracas.
The player, identified as Cheuk Woon Yee Sinny, was hit in the lower left calf as she took the field to play third base during a game against the Netherlands on Friday in a stadium at a military base in Caracas.
Venezuelan officials said the player was not seriously hurt and was released on Saturday after spending the night at the base hospital.
Vice President Elias Jaua said she had been struck by "an object similar to a stray bullet" during the game on the second day of the tournament.
"The delegation from Hong Kong, for the peace of mind of its team, has asked to return to their country. The rest of the countries will continue with the championship," Sports Minister Hector Rodriguez told reporters.
Games were suspended after the incident, and officials in the South American country issued a revised schedule for the Cup on Saturday involving the 10 remaining teams.
"We deeply regret the exit of Hong Kong and the decision they have taken to withdraw, but we respect it ... and we hope that they can take part in forthcoming events," Rodriguez said.