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The 1993 World Baseball Championship was the 47^th edition of the event and was hosted in Guatemala City. Division 1 was competitive with Ukraine and Bangladesh tying for first at 7-2, while Taiwan was 6-3. The Ukrainians advanced on the tiebreaker for their sixth division title and first since 1987. Colombia claimed a tight Division 2 at 7-2, edging out 6-3 efforts from the defending World Champion United States, the Philippines, and New Zealand. It was the 13^th time advancing for the Colombians and first in six years. It is only the eight time in WBC history that the Americans didn’t get to the elite eight or deeper.

Division 3 had China on top at 8-1, topping 7-2 runs by both Poland and Vietnam. It is the third consecutive division title for the Chinese and their 16^th overall. D4 saw a three-way tie for first at 7-2 between Cuba, Portugal, and Turkey. The Cubans secured the tiebreaker to move forward for the second time in three years and for the fourth time overall. India dominated Division 5 at 9-0 with 7-2 France serving as the only real competition. The Indians secured back-to-back division titles.

Division 6 had Mexico prevail at 7-2, outlasting solid 6-3 efforts by Brazil, El Salvador, and Iran. The Mexicans have advanced 19 times, snapping a drought dating back to 1985. Brazil’s impressive division title streak ended at six years, tied with China for the longest streak by someone other than the USA. Canada cruised to the D7 crown at 9-0 for their fourth division title in five years. The defending runner-up moved forward for the 29^th time. Indonesia was also undefeated, clobbering the Division 8 field. It is the fifth time advancing in nine years for the Indonesians, who have 10 division titles to their name.

Indonesia moved onto the semifinal for the seventh time as they were 5-1 in Round Robin Group A. 3-3 China advanced with them, while 2-4 Cuba and 2-4 Colombia were ousted. The Chinese earned back-to-back final four appearances and their 11^th overall. Canada claimed a third consecutive semifinal as they topped the Group B field at 5-1. This was the 23^rd final four berth for the Canadians. India and Ukraine were both 3-3 and Mexico was 1-5. The tiebreaker went to the Indians for their first-ever semifinal appearance.

In the semifinal, China won a five game classic over Canada, sending the Chinese to their sixth final and first since 1979. India knocked off Indonesia 3-1 on the other side, giving the Indians their first-ever shot at the world title.



The 47^th World Championship was the first time that two nations fully based in Asia faced off for the title (Russia, which is both European and Asian, met China in 1970). China rolled India 4-1 to become three-time world champs, joining their 1970 and 1979 successes. The Chinese are the fifth to have earned three or more titles over the history of the WBC, joining the US, Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.



Tournament MVP was India second baseman VJ Williams, The five-time Indian League MVP currently with Ahmedabad had 30 hits, 29 runs, 10 doubles, 13 home runs, 23 RBI, 79 total bases, and 2.5 WAR over 23 starts. Indonesia’s Aris Bau earned Best Pitcher honors. A 25-year old starter with Bandung, he had six appearances and two starts with a 0.46 ERA over 19.2 innings, 2-0 record, 4 saves, 37 strikeouts, and 1.2 WAR.

Other notes: Indonesia’s Nerius Senaen had a four home run game against Sweden, becoming the sixth player to hit 4 HRs in a WBC game. Below are the updated all-time tournament results.