World No. 3 Japan and No. 12 Singapore qualified for the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup as the top two teams in the Asian qualifier, staged at the Kochi Softball Fields at Kochi Athletic Recreation Park, Haruno in Kochi City, Japan. The two teams met in the final game of the tournament, with Japan grabbing the title after a 12-0, four-inning victory.
For the bronze medal, world No. 20 Chinese Taipei defeated No. 22 India, 7-0. Hong Kong, China closed the standings in fifth place.
Japan’s coach Tanaka Yukihiro was naturally delighted with his players. “The team has been improving with each match and today they rose to the occasion to shut out Singapore,” said Yukihiro. “I am relieved because I had expected a closer match with Singapore, especially with their strong pitchers, but they did not show up today which made it easier for us. But credit also must be given to my players for raising their game to give their best performance in the tournament.
“It is going to be tough tournament, with the likes of Australia, Czech Republic, New Zealand and Canada being strong contenders, but we will try our best to wrest the title and do Japan and Asia proud,” he said.
Japanese pitcher Arai Yamato was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP). “It was certainly not my best game and owe to my teammates and fellow pitcher Aso Kanta, who kept giving me encouragement to keep calm, pace myself and remain focused,” said Yamato.
Japan and Singapore join world No. 2 Australia, No. 7 New Zealand, No. 10 Mexico (hosts) and No. 14 South Africa at the XIV WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup.
FINAL STANDINGS
- Japan
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei
- India
- Hong Kong
