World No. 6 Korea defeated No. 3 Chinese Taipei, 3-1, thanks to solid defence and a masterful outing by relievers Hyunseok Choi and Jaeyoung Song. The lineup contributed with only four but timely hits.
"We think that Chinese Taipei is the strongest team in this tournament, and we knew it would be difficult to defeat them. But we did it, and I am so proud of my players," said Korea manager Tae-Won Choi.
Chinese Taipei bats meant trouble to Korea's starter Taehyun Kim. Shortstop Chun-Wei Liu led off with a double. He reached third on a sacrifice bunt and scored on Chia-Wei Lin double to right field.
Korea manufactured the tying run against Jia-Huei Zeng in the top of the third. Hyeonjun Ryu walked, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt, reached third on Hyun-Jong Kim's infield single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Sang-Woo Lim.
Liu on a one-out single in the bottom of the third and advanced when Jun-Wei Zheng singled. Liu stole third with two outs, but Kim got out of the inning striking out Nian-Hao Wang.
Zeng hit Daeseon Jeong to lead off the fourth. The Korean third baseman stole second and advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt. Anseok Jeong singled to centre field to put Korea ahead.
When Kim allowed a two-out single to Shun-Ho Wang in the bottom of the fourth, Korea called Hyunseok Choi from the bullpen to end the inning.
Jaeyoung Song took the mound for Korea in the bottom of the fifth with two outs and no runner on base. He ended the inning by striking out Jun-Wei Zheng.
Korea added an insurance run in the top of the seventh on a single by catcher Hyeonjun Ryu.
Shun-Ho Wang led off the bottom of the seventh with a hit to shallow centre field that beat the diving attempt by Hyunjong Kim and his speed turned into a triple. He wouldn't advance further. Song retired the side in order and gave Korea their first win.
Korea will open Day 2 against No. 31 South Africa. Chinese Taipei will close it against No. 7 Netherlands.
