Japan and Chinese Taipei won on day five of the 2017 World Port Tournament on Wednesday in Rotterdam. Chinese Taipei prevailed 6-3 over Curacao, which lost all four games so far. It was a back and forth affair, but Chinese Taipei stayed in the lead throughout the entire game. Ching Han Ko scored three runs for CT. Raywendley van Gurp collected four hits for Curacao.
In the evening game Japan stunned host Netherlands with a 7-3 win. Japan dominated for eight innings, allowing just three hits and two walks during that time. The Dutch team only was able to score in the bottom of the ninth. But the two-run single by Dudley Leonora and a bases loaded walk by Rachid Engelhardt were too little too late. Daisuke Yamagami pitched six scoreless innings for the win. Kaj Timmermans got charged with the loss. Ceremonial first pitch was made by Honorary Consul of Japan in Rotterdam Mr Willem Briet. During the game Mr Briet and Mrs Fleur Briet – Kooyman met the press and Japan Team manager in the press box.
Standings after First Round:
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Loss | Average |
| 1 | Cuba | 4 | 3 | 1 | 750 |
| 2 | Japan | 4 | 3 | 1 | 750 |
| 3 | Chinese Taipei | 4 | 2 | 2 | 500 |
| 4 | Netherlands | 4 | 2 | 2 | 500 |
| 5 | Curaçao | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
The World Port Tournament continues on Thursday with matchups between Chinese Taipei and the Netherlands, as well as Cuba and Japan, as the double-elimination style playoffs get underway.
From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks like the tournament has had a pretty good turnout from the Dutch fans. Very nice to see!