The 12-team field for the inaugural WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup has been confirmed following the conclusion of the U-15 Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2023, with hosts Chinese Taipei and the Philippines claiming the last two tickets as the two best Asian squads.
Chinese Taipei won the U-15 Women’s Softball Asia Cup 2023 tournament at the Softball Stadium in Puli Township, Nantou, Taiwan by beating Japan, who are already qualified for the WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup as hosts, 3-2 with the Philippines finishing third after beating Korea 10-0 in the bronze medal game.
The WBSC U-15 Women’s Softball World Cup will be held from 21-29 October in Tokyo, Japan.
Chinese Taipei defeated Japan in a closely contested final with the hosts going ahead 3-0 in the first inning on the back of Japan errors. Japan pulled one run back in the bottom of the first and another in the fourth but couldn't take full advantage of loaded bases in the fourth and fifth innings.
“We knew that Japan will recover from their mistakes and come back strongly, but we coped well and kept our cool to keep them at bay. It was a close and tight game and I am glad we survived the onslaught to win this inaugural title,” Chinese Taipei coach Chen Mei-Fun said. "This really means a great deal because we are hosts. Credit goes to the players who were hitting well to keep the pressure on Japan."
Meanwhile, the Philippines booked the second ticket when they beat Korea in the bronze medal playoff earlier on Saturday.
Final Standings:
- Chinese Taipei
- Japan
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Hong Kong, China
- Singapore
- India
