China fell 3-1 to the Netherlands in its opening women's softball game at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu on Wednesday.

"At this level, the margin for error is very small. The team that makes fewer mistakes has a chance to win," China head coach Tang Changdong said. "We don't get many opportunities to play at this stage, so improvement can only come through real competition."

Suka Van Gurp hit a two-run homer to right field, scoring Britt Agatha Vonk. China responded when Ren Min scored on a fielding error after Li Jiaqi reached base and Wang Bei advanced to third. The Netherlands added a solo homer in the bottom of the second by Cindy van der Zanden and won 3-1.

"It was hot, but manageable," Netherlands utility player Sietske Drijvers said. "We want to win a medal, and we're going for at least the top three."

In other games, Tiare Jennings homered as the United States beat Chinese Taipei 4-0 to open their gold medal defense, Canada scored eight runs in the third inning to edge Puerto Rico 11-9 for its first Group B win, and Japan defeated Australia 10-3.