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Czech Republic manager aims for victory one inning at a time in WBC match against Korea

Published: 05 Mar. 2026, 21:25 Updated: 06 Mar. 2026, 08:43

Czechia manager Pavel Chadim listens to a question during a press conference before facing Korea in a Pool C game at the World Baseball Classic at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 5. [YONHAP]

Czech Republic manager Pavel Chadim said on Thursday that his team will “have a chance” against the favored Korea at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) if his side can string together some quality innings.

“I believe that a good start means a good tournament,” Chadim said at a pregame press conference at Tokyo Dome. The first Pool C game for Czechia and Korea will be at 7 p.m.

“I expect a great performance from the Korean team, and I hope that we will do the same,” Chadim added.

In 2023, the Czech Republic defeated China for its lone win in four games but lost to Korea, Japan and Australia.

This year, Chinese Taipei has taken China's spot, with the four other countries returning to Tokyo. On paper, Chinese Taipei will be favored over Czech Republic when they square off on Friday, as will both Japan and Australia.

When asked to look ahead to the game against Japan, the defending WBC champion, Chadim said that every inning without a run by Japan will be a win for the Czech Republic.

“We need nine wins. That's all,” he said. “I think [the Korea game] is similar. If we have nine wins, that means nine scoreless innings. We have a chance.”

Czech infielder Terrin Vavra called Korea “very talented.”

“I know how capable and how talented they are, [...] how seriously they take baseball, how much work they put in and how really talented that group is,” said Vavra, who played with Korea's outfielder Jahmai Jones in the minors in 2022. “It's going to be fun to see where we line up and to compete against them.”

Yonhap