BEIJING, Aug 11: Defending Olympic baseball champions Cuba seeJapan, not political rivals United States, as the major threat to claiming a fourth gold medal in five tries in what could be the sport’s Olympic farewell.

A Cuba-Japan showdown Wednesday tops the opening slate, a rematch of the 2006 World Baseball Classic final won by Japan. Canada plays China, the US will meet South Korea and the Dutch face Taiwan in other openers.

“Japan are a good team with strong ability. For us, they are the strongest rivals for the gold medal rather than the US,” said Cuban outfielder Yoandry Urgelles. “Our goal is to win a medal first, but a gold medal would be best.”

The Americans defeated Cuba in last year’s World Cup at Taiwan and combined with Japan’s Classic triumph, the Cubans feel some pressure to reclaim the throne ahead of the 2009 Classic.

“We returned to win and to return to the top of the world,” Cuban outfielder Alexei Bell said. “Baseball means a lot to Cuba. It’s the national sport.”

Japan will field top talent from the Japan League while the Americans offer only top developmental talent from Major League Baseball organizations because the US elite league refuses to shut down for the Olympics.

“Japan will be our strongest opponents to win the gold medal,” said Cuban outfielder Giorbis Duvergel.

The lack of Major League Baseball stars led the IOC to vote to dump baseball after this year, although a revival vote chance comes in October, 2009.

“Baseball is played throughout the world. People should remember,” Cuban outfielder Frederich Cepeda said. “It’s an important sport and should be in the Olympics.”

The Communist island dynasty settled for silver only in 2000 when current US major league hurler Ben Sheets baffled Cuban batters in the final.

The Americans missed the 2004 Olympics after a college team failed in regional qualifying, making this year’s task tougher for a talented squad that has been assembled for barely two weeks.—AFP