SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pennsylvania (AP) ― Sin Dong-wan’s three-run single helped South Korea defeat defending champion Japan 12-3 Saturday in the Little League World Series international championship.

South Korea had a seven-run second inning on just two hits. Leadoff batter Choi Hae-chan also brought in two runs on a double during the inning. He finished 2 for 4 with three RBIs.

Thanks to three walks, along with a failed play at the plate, the South Koreans took a decisive lead.

“Scoring seven runs makes it easier,” South Korea manager Park Jong-wook said.

Japan’s first hit didn’t come until the third inning. While the Japanese team scored once in the fourth and twice in the fifth inning, it was too little and late.

“We couldn’t stop their momentum and we had an unlucky situation,” Japan manager Junji Hidaka said.

On Sunday, South Korea will face Chicago.