Botswana, Germany, Italy, Japan, Singapore & Tanzania compete in Utsugi Cup U-18 International Women’s Softball Tournament
On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June, the Utsugi Cup U-18 International Women’s Softball Tournament was held at the Takasaki Softball Stadium (Utsugi Stadium) and the Second Softball Field in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. Six teams participated: Japan (Takasaki Select), Italy, Germany, Tanzania, Botswana, and Singapore.
The tournament (named after softball legend Taeko Utsugi, former manager of the Japanese Women’s National Team, who led the team to a silver medal at the Sydney 2000 Olympics and a bronze medal at the Athens 2004 Olympics) aims to promote the global growth of the sport while helping young players pursue their dreams.
The six teams were divided into two groups for a round-robin group stage. Japan swept Group A, followed by Germany (1-1) and Tanzania (0-2). In Group B, Italy finished in first place, Singapore second and Botswana third.
Round Robin results
Group A
- Japan 8–1 Germany
- Japan 17–0 Tanzania
- Germany 16–0 Tanzania
Group B
- Italy 28–0 Botswana
- Singapore 14–2 Botswana
- Italy 3–3 Singapore (tie)
On the final day, the placement games were played.
The 5th-place game featured Tanzania and Botswana, both aiming for their first win of the tournament. After three innings, the score was tied 6–6, however with the 90-minute time limit reached (used for all games except the final), Tanzania was awarded fifth place following a drawing of lots.
In the 3rd-place game, Singapore defeated Germany 7–3 in a game called after four innings due to the time limit.
In the final, Japan defeated Italy 10–0 in a five-inning run-ahead-rule win, claiming the championship in dominant fashion.
With goals such as discovering and developing young talent, promoting softball and baseball in Europe and Africa, and supporting the reinstatement and continuity of softball in the Olympics, the Utsugi Cup has a strong vision and aims to share softball with the world.