Japan were one of numerous nations to book their place in the super round of the WBSC Under-12 World Cup today ©WBSC

Japan were among the countries who booked their place in the super round of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Under-12 World Cup after winning both of their matches at the Tainan Municipal Stadium in Chinese Taipei today. 

The East Asian country started the day with an emphatic 31-0 win over South Africa and then defeated Chinese Taipei 7-5.

It puts them third in Group A behind the hosts and Mexico and leaves them knowing a win against Brazil tomorrow will ensure top spot.

If Brazil triumph, Japan will advance to the super round as third-place finishers with Chinese Taipei first and Mexico second.

The other matches in Group A today saw Mexico lose 10-0 to Chinese Taipei before overcoming Brazil 8-7.

Mexico clinched their place in the super round with an 8-7 win over Brazil ©WBSC
Mexico clinched their place in the super round with an 8-7 win over Brazil ©WBSC

In Group B, defending champions the United States made it a perfect five wins out of five with a 20-3 success at the expense of Germany.

South Korea’s 5-1 win over Nicaragua meant the two teams finished tied for second place on three wins from two matches.

Both follow the US into the super round.

Panama also finished with a 3-2 win-loss record after beating Australia 15-2, but they missed out on the super round by virtue of an inferior team quality balance to South Korea and Nicaragua.

The super round and the consolation round, for those teams finishing from fourth down to sixth, are both due to begin tomorrow.