In a thrilling display of talent, Cuba clinched its second consecutive title at the Baseball5 World Championship, held this week at the Central Harbourfront Event Space in Hong Kong, China. The Cuban team triumphed over Japan with decisive scores of 16-1 and 7-5, as announced on the official X account of this sport, which is recognized as an urban version of traditional baseball and softball under the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
France captured the bronze medal by defeating Venezuela twice, with scores of 3-1 and 7-2. Despite not having any representatives on this edition's All-Star team, Cubans Briandy Molina and Haila González were honored as the most valuable players in their respective categories.
Two years ago, Cuba had bested Japan with scores of 9-1 and 6-2 in Mexico City. However, in a historic moment last Thursday in Hong Kong, the Japanese team handed Cuba its first set loss in World Cup history. Meanwhile, other Cubans excelling in various leagues earned individual accolades at the global event. Among them was Sergio Arturo Pérez, who received the Best Coach award for leading Hong Kong's team in this tournament. Additionally, Omar Henrri Diodene, another Cuban playing for France, was included in the All-Star lineup.
Global Standings and Future Prospects
Chinese Taipei secured the fifth spot, followed by Mexico in sixth. The subsequent positions were filled by teams from Tunisia, Lithuania, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, and Australia. Known as Baseball5TM or "Cuatro Esquinas," this fast-paced and dynamic sport adheres to the foundational principles of its parent games, requiring only a rubber ball and featuring mixed-gender teams. The Cuban squad participating in this second world championship consisted of four men and four women.
Looking ahead, the tournament's next edition is set for 2026 and will take place in Rome, promising another exciting chapter in the evolution of this burgeoning sport.