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.
Day 1 Results and Match Info
Japan 12-1 New Zealand
Singapore 8-3 Argentina
Mexico 10-1 USA
Canada 6-1 South Africa
Australia 4-3 Czech Republic
Guatemala 16-1 Denmark
"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
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