Asian Games Women’s Softball: Japan, China and Chinese Taipei Stay Unbeaten
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
The Philippines produced a remarkable comeback against Korea, while Japan, China and Chinese Taipei maintained their perfect records on the third day of the women’s softball preliminary round at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
The Philippines overturned a three-run deficit to defeat Korea 7-3 and register their first victory of the tournament. Japan, China and Chinese Taipei also secured wins to improve their records to 3-0.
Philippines Complete Comeback Against Korea
Korea appeared to be in control after taking a 3-0 lead, but the Philippines changed the course of the game in the sixth inning by scoring seven runs.
Nicole Antoinette Hammoude contributed three RBIs before Mary Claire Nicole Sales hit a three-run home run to put the Philippines ahead.
Korea had taken the lead in the fourth inning, with Ahyoung Kim hitting a two-run home run as part of the team’s three-run inning.
The victory moved the Philippines to 1-2 in the preliminary round.
Japan Continue Strong Run
Hosts Japan enjoyed another successful day, recording two 15-0 victories against Hong Kong, China and Thailand.
Japan have now scored 40 runs without conceding any in their opening three games.
Against Hong Kong, China, Mio Sakamoto delivered three scoreless innings and recorded six strikeouts without allowing a hit. Yui Nakamizo went 3-for-3 and scored three runs, while Saori Yamauchi hit a two-run home run.
Japan later defeated Thailand after scoring nine runs in the second inning. Ayane Nakagawa drove in three runs, while Kaho Ishikawa and Kanon Kudo contributed two RBIs each.
Yamauchi hit another home run, while Nakamizo also cleared the fence. Sakura Miwa pitched three scoreless innings and allowed only three hits.
China Beat Thailand 15-0
China also remained unbeaten after defeating Thailand 15-0 in three innings.
Huanyu Yang, Min Ren, Ying Lu and Xintian Li all hit home runs as China collected 11 hits.
Yue Sun and Xiaoyi Ding combined to complete a no-hitter, with the pair recording seven strikeouts.
Chinese Taipei Defeat Singapore
Chinese Taipei also secured their third consecutive victory by beating Singapore 9-2.
The game was tied 1-1 before Chinese Taipei produced a six-run third inning. Chi-yun Lin hit a three-run home run and finished with four RBIs.
Chia-wen Shen added a solo home run in the fourth inning to help Chinese Taipei maintain their unbeaten record.
Standings After Day 3
Japan, China and Chinese Taipei are all 3-0 after three games and remain unbeaten.
Hong Kong, China, Korea and the Philippines each have a 1-2 record, while Singapore and Thailand are yet to record a victory at 0-3.
The preliminary round will continue as teams compete for positions in the next stage of the women’s softball competition.
