The runners-up in the last edition of the WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup held in 2018 are ranked second in the world, and were too strong for Cuba in a 9-1 victory in the Group B opener yesterday.

Today's match against world number five-ranked side Venezuela at the Miyoshi Kinsai Stadium was expected to be a tougher challenge, but Chinese Taipei produced a superb display on a humid day, after the start had been delayed due to light rain.

Venezuela took a 2-1 lead in the second inning, but Chinese Taipei replied strongly with three in the third to go 4-2 up, and added a further six unopposed runs to triumph 10-2.

They are joined on two wins from two by Group B hosts Japan, who began with six runs in the first inning to put themselves in firm control against France and went on to hammer their opponents 20-1.

The other match on the second day of the round-robin also featured a big win.

Puerto Rico bounced back from yesterday's 4-2 defeat to Japan by overcoming Cuba 11-0.

They are joint third with Venezuela in Group B after two matches, with Japan and Chinese Taipei out in front on two wins from two.

The top two teams are set to advance to next year's Finals in Thunder Bay in Canada, joining the United States and Canada from Group A and another wildcard to go with Mexico.

The third round of Group B matches tomorrow is set to feature Puerto Rico against Chinese Taipei, France against Cuba and Venezuela against Japan.