Among them are hosts and defending champions Canada, who claimed a 2-0 victory over Japan today at the Pepsi Softball Centre.

Canada scored both of their runs in the fifth inning through Derek Mayson and Mark Johnson.

They now go onto face New Zealand, 6-2 winners against Australia, for a place in the final.

Japan, meanwhile, face an encounter with Argentina, 5-0 victors at the expense of Botswana, to keep their title hopes alive.

Also still battling it out for honours are the United States, who defeated Venezuela 11-3 to set up a clash with Australia.

Both Venezuela and Botswana have been eliminated, finishing in seventh and eighth spot respectively.

Turkey were condemned to last place today after losing 15-0 to Hong Kong.

Finishing just above them are India after they were beaten 8-1 by Great Britain.

Hong Kong go onto meet Czech Republic, who suffered a narrow 8-7 defeat at the hands of South Africa.

Denmark are Britain’s next opponents, coming on the back of a 6-0 loss to the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic’s forthcoming contest is against South Africa.

Action in Whitehorse is due to continue tomorrow.