The Chunichi Dragons, who ended their 53-year NPB title drought by winning the Japan Series last week, went through a casual workout at Tokyo Dome on Wednesday afternoon to prepare for the Konami Cup Asia Series 2007, which begins on Thursday.

For Chunichi manager Hiromitsu Ochiai and his Dragons squad, it would certainly be an honor to add the champion's flag from the third edition of the annual tournament to their memorabilia shelf.

But after winning the Japan Series, the Konami Cup may feel like more of a bonus or a reward to the newly minted NPB champions.