Japan Beat China in Dramatic Finish as Asian Games Softball Finals Are Set
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Japan completed the women’s softball Preliminary Round at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games with a perfect 7-0 record after edging China 7-6 in a thrilling walk-off game on Friday.
The victory at Anjo Softball Ground set up a repeat meeting between the two unbeaten teams in Saturday’s Gold Medal Game, with Japan aiming to continue its dominance in Asian Games softball.
Captain Kyoko Ishikawa produced the decisive moment in the seventh inning with a well-placed bunt that brought home the winning run.
Japan took control early as Saori Yamauchi delivered a two-run double in the first inning. Ishikawa then added a two-run single in the second to give Japan a 4-1 advantage.
China fought back with a two-run home run in the third inning, but Japan responded when Ayane Nakagawa hit a two-run homer in the fourth to restore a three-run lead.
The Chinese team refused to give up. Another two-run home run in the fifth inning followed by a solo homer in the sixth brought China level at 6-6.
Veteran pitcher Yukiko Ueno then entered in relief and retired all four batters she faced, stopping China’s momentum.
In the bottom of the seventh, Rei Fujimoto reached base after being hit by a pitch, while Nakagawa drew a walk. Ishikawa followed with a perfectly placed bunt, allowing Fujimoto to score the winning run and sealing Japan’s 7-6 victory.
Japan will now face China again on Saturday, this time with the Asian Games gold medal at stake.
Chinese Taipei also secured a place in the medal matches after defeating Korea 11-1. The game was tied 1-1 before Chinese Taipei exploded for 10 runs in the fourth inning.
The result left Korea in fifth place and ended its hopes of winning a first Asian Games softball medal.
The Philippines defeated Hong Kong, China 9-3 after collecting 10 hits, including three home runs. The victory gave the Philippines a 4-3 Preliminary Round record and fourth place in the standings.
Singapore also finished its campaign with a 10-1 victory over Thailand.
The medal matches will take place on Saturday, October 3. Chinese Taipei will face the Philippines for the Bronze Medal at 10:00 local time, while Japan and China will meet for the Gold Medal at 14:00.
Chinese Taipei previously defeated the Philippines 10-1 in the Preliminary Round. Japan and China, meanwhile, will meet again less than 24 hours after their dramatic 7-6 contest, with the Asian Games title now on the line.
