The RP Blu Boys face Great Britain Friday as the 2009 World Softball Championship unfolds in Saskatoon, Canada.

Looking to improve on their ninth place finish five years ago in New Zealand, the Filipino clouters hope to reach the semifinal round in the 10-day event that will be played at Bob Van Impe Stadium and Gordon Howe Park there.

For the Blu Boys of coach Saki Bacarisas to advance to the semis, they will have to hurdle powerhouses United States, Japan, defending champion New Zealand and the Britons in Pool A.

Also in the RP Blu Boys’ group are Botswana, Denmark and Mexico. Bracketed in Pool B are host Canada, Australia, Czech Republic, Argentina, Venezuela, South Africa, Puerto Rico and Indonesia.

Bannering the RP squad are Apol Rosales, Jerome Bacarisas, Emerson Atilano, Manuel Binarao, Orlando Binarao, Oscar Bradshaw, and Marlon Pagkaliwanan.

The other members of the team are Isidro Abello, Jasper Cabrera, Dario Bacarisas, Roldan Bacarisas, Victorio Enriquez, Rogelio Rojas, Ben Maravilles, Anthony Santos, Marciano Sta. Maria, and Leo Barredo.