Japan and South Korea attended official practice sessions this evening ahead of tomorrow's WBSC Premier 12 semi-final ©WSBC

Japan and South Korea each held final practice sessions following their arrival here today on the eve of their much anticipated World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier12 semi-final showdown.

The countries are two of the strongest teams in baseball, with Japan gaining bragging rights with a 5-0 victory over their Asian rivals in the opening game of the tournament, which saw pitcher Shohei Otani lead the way after striking out 10 batters over six scoreless innings.

Following further victories over Mexico, Dominican Republic, United States and Venezuela were followed by a 9-3 quarter-final drubbing of Puerto Rico, Japan remain marginal favourites to stretch their unbeaten record.

The South Koreans, the reigning Olympic and Asian Games champions who beat Cuba 7-2 in their quarter-final, remain tough opponents, however. 

Much is expected to depend on the pitching dual between 21-year-old Otani and South Korean rival Rhee Dae-eun.

After leading Japan to a 5-0 victory over South Korea in the Premier12 opener, pitcher Shohei Otani will be key once again in the semi-final against their bitter Asian rivals
After leading Japan to a 5-0 victory over South Korea in the Premier12 opener, pitcher Shohei Otani will be key once again in the semi-final against their bitter Asian rivals ©WSBC

The match will take place at 7pm local time at the Tokyo Dome tomorrow, and is due to be followed on Friday (November 20) by the second semi-final between the US and Mexico, with the latter looking to avenge their 10-0 preliminary stage loss to the Americans.

The Mexicans are the tournament's surprise package after a 4-3 quarter-final victory over Canada ensured all four semi-finalists came from Group B.

As well as a major opportunity for some of the world's top players, the finale of the WBSC's flagship event, which features the world's top 12 countries, will also be a major platform to showcase the sport as it bids for re-inclusion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

All four quarter-finals took place in Taiwan with the tournament now switching focus to the Japanese capital. 

Baseball and softball - along with karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing - were recommended for inclusion by Tokyo 2020 organisers in September, with a final decision to be made by the International Olympic Committee next year.

If the sport is successful, the Tokyo Dome appears the most likely venue in which action will take place.

Top officials from the WBSC are due to present this weekend, including President Riccardo Fraccari, with a WBSC Executive Board meeting scheduled for tomorrow. 



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