Defending champions Japan were among four teams to preserve their unbeaten records ©WBSC

Defending champions Japan were among four teams to preserve their unbeaten records as the Junior Men's Softball World Championship continued in Prince Albert in Canada.

Japan comfortably overcame Mexico 7-1 to record their third consecutive victory in Group A at the Prime Ministers' Park Field.

The result condemned Mexico to their first defeat of the event and saw Japan move into joint top spot along wit Australia.

Australia maintained their 100 per cent start to the tournament in style as they eased to a 18-0 win over Denmark.

Elsewhere in the group, Argentina beat South Africa 6-1.

New Zealand and Canada are unbeaten in Group B ©WBSC
New Zealand and Canada are unbeaten in Group B ©WBSC

Canada and New Zealand are battling for first place in Grpup B as both teams claimed their third straight wins today.

The host nation continued their perfect start with a straightforward 7-0 victory over Guatemala, while New Zealand beat the Czech Republic 8-1.

The United States bounced back from their dismal opening to the tournament by defeating Hong Kong 11-1.

Day four of the competition is due to take place tomorrow.

Six days of preliminary-round games will be followed by two days of play-offs and placement rounds before medal matches on Sunday (July 15).