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The 2008 Olympic Gold Medallists Japan will be displaying the form that made them Olympic champions when they arrive in Sydney in March to begin their preparations for the 2010 World Championships. Japan have been regular visitors to Australia over the last few years and they bring a style of softball that is both entertaining and highly skilful. Their roster will include the fastest pitcher in the world, Yukiko Ueno, who can pitch to speeds as high as 118km. Ueno threw 27 innings over 2 days in the Olympic playoffs which included the 12 inning thriller against Australia in the semi final and then the final against USA to claim the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal.

The Australian Women's World Championship team will provide strong competition for the Japan National team as the Aussie Spirit players get their first hit out following selection to represent Australia at the 2010 World Championships in Caracas, Venezuela. The No 1 and No 3 ranked teams in the world will play a 5 game test series at Blacktown Olympic Softball Park from the 18th to the 20th March 2010. The test series will provide great preparation for both teams as they seek to gain a mental edge before meeting again at the World Championships. It promises to be an exciting event and a great opportunity for softball fans to see some of the world's best players in action at a world class venue.

Note - The Japan team will be playing the ACT Diamonds and NSW Firestars in exhibition games as part of their tour of Australia.