U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup Day 1: Historic Singapore upset highlights opening day in Palmerston North
Singapore scored a stunning upset over Argentina to highlight the opening day of the U-18 Softball Men’s World Cup in Palmerston North, New Zealand.
World No. 17 Singapore pulled off on one of the biggest upsets in international junior softball by beating Argentina, ranked second in the world, 8-3 on the opening day's play.
Singapore had only won once in their previous two appearances (in 2012 and 2014) in this age group, heading into the game with a 1:15 win:loss record. While Argentina are two-time champions in 2012 and 2014.
In 2012 Singapore finished the Jr. Men's Softball World Championship with a 1:5 win:loss record after beating Denmark 3-1 while in 2014, they ended with a 0:10 record.
"We came with no expectations and the boys did their best," Singapore Head Coach Farhan Harahap told WBSC. "We recognised Argentina was a big team but because it was the first game we tried to go all out for the win.
"It means a lot. I have played, coached and watched three (WBSC Softball) events and in those events Argentina was champion for two junior events (2012 & 2014) and one men’s event (2019 Men's World Championship) and for us to open with a win against one of the stronger countries in the world is amazing."
Meanwhile it was an action-packed day after a delay in the opening games due to morning rain.
And a stunning opening ceremony helped set the stage for the best of international junior softball.
SUNDAY’S MATCHES
SGP v CAN - 12:00 GUA v JPN - 13:00 DEN v MEX - 14:30 RSA v CZE - 15:30 AUS v ARG - 17:00 USA v NZL - 19:30