- Title: Japan, Taiwan, and South Korean teams train ahead of WBC in Tokyo
- Date: 4th March 2026
- Summary: ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA UNITED STATES (MARCH 4, 2026) (UNRESTRICTED POOL) (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, PETE HEGSETH, SAYING: “Also yesterday, the leader of the unit who attempted to assassinate President Trump has been hunted down and killed. Iran tried to kill President Trump and President Trump got the last laugh.” HEGSETH SPEAKING, MEMBERS OF THE PRESS (
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- Keywords: Shohei Ohtani australia baseball chinese taipei japan south korea wbc
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Baseball,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001077704032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Team Japan are gearing up for their home Pool in the World Baseball Classic, as the side took part in an open practice on Wednesday (March 4).
And whilst global superstar Shohei Ohtani may not be pitching, the two time world series champion's side are favourites to top a strong Pool, as they look to add to their three WBC Championships.
Pool C also includes Chinese Tapei, who upset Japan to win their 2024 Premier 12 gold medal, helping increase the popularity of the sport in the country.
Also based in Tokyo's Pool C are Australia, Czech Republic and South Korea - a side depleted by injuries, and who haven't progressed beyond the WBC first round since their visit to the final 2009. Australia head in to the competition buoyed by their inclusion of Travis Bazzana, the 23-year-old Cleveland Guardians second baseman was the No.1 2024 overall draft pick. The Aussies made it through to the Quarter Finals for the first time in 2023.
Czech Republic are considered a long shot to progress, but have form of their own, taking the bronze medal at the 2025 European Baseball Championships. The first match in Pool C takes place on Thursday (March 5), and sees Chinese Tapei take on Australia.
(Production: Joseph Campbell, Minwoo Park, Joseph Andrews) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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