DEFENDING champions Regal Masters will be hard-pressed to retain supremacy when the annual Republic Cup softball tournament, organised by the Georgetown Softball Cricket League Incorporated, takes place at the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) ground on Sunday.

Regal Masters recent showing have seen them slipping from their usual dominance with Wellman’s Masters rising to the top in domestic competitions while Fishermen Masters will look to create another upset in a major tournament.

Newcomers, East Coast Demerara Masters, will have their work cut out as they look to get their hands on the Trophy Stall-sponsored first prize ahead of the other seasoned contenders.

In addition to the championship trophy there are also trophies for the runners-up, player-of-the-match in the final, best batsman of the tournament and best bowler, all compliments of Trophy Stall.

There will be live entertainment from the Caribbean Hot Shots Band and live commentary from international commentators Inderjeet Persaud and John Ramsingh.

The first ball is bowled at 10:00hrs on the small outfield in semi-final action, followed by the final at 14:00hrs.

The participating teams will also be using the Republic Cup tournament as further preparation for the Orlando Cup, scheduled for March 20, 21 and 22 in Orlando.