JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA: BASEBALL - Reactions as Japan beats South Korea to retain World Baseball Classic crown

Record ID: 465158

  • Title: JAPAN/SOUTH KOREA: BASEBALL - Reactions as Japan beats South Korea to retain World Baseball Classic crown
  • Date: 25th March 2009
  • Summary: CHEERLEADERS CHEERING FANS CHEERING
  • Embargoed: 9th April 2009 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVADVJEN994C2330KSJXF5HO8SRA
  • Story Text: Japan retains the World Baseball Classic title by beating bitter Asian rivals South Korea 5-3.
    Japan defeated South-Korea 5-3 in a thrilling World Baseball Classic final on Tuesday (March 24), underscoring the growing Asian talent pool, as well as the long-standing regional rivalry between the two countries.
    Despite a midday TV broadcast in Asia, millions of Japanese and Koreans were estimated to have watched the title game in venues ranging from pubs to prisons and on big and small screens.
    The all-Asian final was also shown on large-screen TVs in Seoul and Tokyo, with fans queuing at sites such as baseball stadiums and electronic stores for an update.
    At the electronics store Bic Camera in Tokyo, hundreds of Japan fans crowded the television department corner to watch the game together, clapping and chanting "Ichiro", with some crying after the win.
    "It's great. I'm so grateful to have Ichiro clinch the game after seeing Japan fall behind," said Yukio Ohara, a 57 year old Tokyo resident said. Camera said.

    "The game was great and I'm happy. I came here from Kyoto on vacation and stopped in here to watch," said Hisami Ishibashi, 45, one of hundreds lined up in front of a wall of flat-screen TVs.
    After the victory, Bic Camera cut its prices 3 percent, in the hope that people who had gathered to watch the game would also buy their products.
    Some like Norihisa Sakamoto and his colleague saw the game on the go with Japan's ubiquitous mobile phones capable of capturing digital television broadcasts.
    "I can watch anywhere with this cellphone and can't keep my eyes off the game," said the 24-year-old Tokyo company employee as he and his colleague take a break between client visits.
    Prime Minister Taro Aso congratulated Japan on winning its second consecutive WBC title, saying it "encouraged and thrilled" many in the country, Kyodo news reported.
    "I reaffirmed the fundamental power of our country through this tournament," Aso said in a statement.
    Across the straits, more than ten thousand baseball fans also gathered in Seoul's biggest stadium to watch the final game against Japan on huge electronic board.
    The stadium erupted in cheers when South Korea tied the game 3-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning, but turned to groans when Japan recaptured the lead -- and ultimately the title -- on Ichiro Suzuki's two-run single in the 10th.
    After winning over Japan twice previously during the classic, South Korea's expectation for the final winning was big.
    "It's so disappointing because I was pretty much sure that we would win this game against Japan. Our team did a really good job, but I think it was one percent short," said 36-year-old Yoon Sang-il after watching the game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.
    "The history of Korean baseball was started 50 years after Japan.
    So I wish we could have shown the latent power of South Korea by winning the game again, despite our short history," said 22-year-old Lee Sang-deok.
    South Korea's Justice Ministry gave special permission for prisoners in 47 jails and detention centres to watch the game, although TV is usually prohibited during daytime.
    The ministry said in a news release it made the change because the game was "about the pride of Koreans".
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