The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has unveiled the competition schedule for this year’s Under-12 Baseball World Cup in Tainan, Taipei.
Due to be held between July 28 and August 6, the hosts and under-12 World Cup 2015 silver medalists will lock horns with current world number one ranked side Japan in Group A.
Mexico, Czech Republic, Brazil and South Africa complete the set.
Two-time defending under-12 world champions United States will compete in Group B.
Third seeds South Korea are expected to form their primary opposition along with 2015 bronze medalists Nicaragua, and Australia, Panama and Germany.
South Africa and current under-12 Americas champions Mexico will officially open the World Cup on the first day of competition.
Japan, the reigning Asian champions, will face European qualifiers the Czech Republic while Australia will take on the US.
Panama will meet Asian qualifiers South Korea, while current European champions Germany will open against Nicaragua.
Following the Opening Ceremony at Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium, host nation Chinese Taipei will meet Brazil.
The full schedule can be found here.
The top three in Group A will play the top three from Group B in the Super Round while a Consolation Round will be staged for those finishing outside of the top three positions in each group.
Following the Super Round, the top two will then meet in the final at Tainan Municipal Stadium on August 6.
Earlier this week a promotional video for the tournament was released.
It showcases action from the best players in the age-group.
By Max Winters
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.