Japan claim Men’s Softball Asian title, advance to World Cup along with Singapore & Philippines
World No. 3 Japan topped No. 12 Singapore, 4-0, to clinch the 12th Men Softball Asia Cup 2023 at the Kochi Softball Fields at Kochi Athletic Recreation Park, Haruno. Both teams, along with bronze medallists and No. 15 Philippines, qualified for the XVIII WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup, which will open in 2024 with the Group Stage.
Japan, represented by their U-23 National Team, scored their four runs in the second inning of the final. Japan’s head coach, Shinji Eguchi said he was worried about the final, as he was concerned about the Singapore pitchers who were their forte in the team. “I was concerned how my U23 players will do in the Men’s Asia Cup and was mainly concerned with their pitcher and how my players were going to cope,” said Eguchi. “Glad that our pitchers didn’t give up any runs and we have some runs at the beginning. Overall we won because our pitchers did a great job.”
For the third place, and the last World Cup berth available, the Philippines secured their ticket to the World Cup with a 7-0 shutout over Hong Kong, China.
Hitto Nagayoshi, the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2020 MVP, was named the Most Valuable Player of the continental tournament. “We participated in U-23 World Cup in Argentina with this team and we were disappointed to have to settle for the silver medal. Now here, with stronger bond of team work, everyone did great job to win this tournament. I’m so happy to be part of this team.”
The XVIII Men’s Softball World Cup will open in 2024 with the Group Stage, while the finals are scheduled for 2025. One of the groups and the Finals have been awarded to Prince Albert, Canada, with the remaining two groups’ hosts still to be confirmed.
Japan, Singapore and Philippines become the first qualified nations, after Canada secured their spot as hosts of one of the groups at the Group Stage and the Finals.
FINAL STANDINGS
- Japan
- Singapore
- Philippines
- Hong Kong
- Chinese Taipei
- India