TOKYO (TVBS News) — The Chinese Taipei baseball team (中華隊) celebrated a historic victory on Friday (Nov. 22) by defeating the U.S. 8-2 in the WBSC Premier 12 tournament. This marks Taiwan's first win against the U.S. at the adult level in 21 years. Taiwan's last triumph occurred during the 2003 World Cup when it edged out the U.S. 2-1 to reach the semifinals.
Taiwan's head coach, Tseng Hao-chu (曾豪駒), highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating that the victory is meaningful for Taiwanese baseball and a great opportunity to introduce Taiwan to the world. Tseng expressed gratitude for the team's collective effort, emphasizing the importance of trust among players and coaches. He noted, "We are writing our history. There are two more steps to go. Life has infinite possibilities; you only know if you can achieve them by trying."
Since 2003, Taiwan has faced six consecutive losses to the U.S. in the World Cup, Olympics, and Premier 12, including a narrow 2-3 defeat in the previous Premier 12 tournament. Taiwan's victory on Friday ends this streak, showcasing the team's growth and resilience on the international stage. Looking ahead, Taiwan will face Japan on Saturday night. A win could secure a spot in the championship game on Sunday.