Team Japan's determination to retain their 2008 title was evident, with Minori Naito, Yamato Fujita and Yu Yamamoto all clearing the fence with home runs.Īustralia had taken the lead in the first inning but Japan's world-beating defence was too much for the visitors. Australia currently lie eighth in the world softball rankings Organisers had wanted to highlight the recovery of the area since the disaster, and to prove to potential tourists that Fukushima was safe to visit.īut with a state of emergency in place amid rising Covid cases, fans have been banned from attending all events. The arena in Fukushima was selected for the opening fixtures in softball and baseball - which also returns to the Games after a 13-year absence - in a boost for the area after the devastating earthquake and subsequent nuclear disaster in 2011. Japan are among the favourites to win the gold medal, with the USA their main rivals Listen to the latest Olympics Daily podcast.But the match took place in an empty Azuma Baseball Stadium and the Games begin amid widespread opposition in the country, with Covid-19 cases rising.
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