Kenta Maeda shook off worries about his form with five shutout innings as Japan beat China 5-2 in first-round Pool A of the World Baseball Classic on Sunday at Fukuoka Dome.

Japan improved to 2-0 following a tough win over Brazil in Saturday evening's opener. Earlier on Sunday, Cuba defeated Brazil 5-2. Should Cuba defeat China in Monday's game, both Cuba and Japan would be guaranteed spots in quarterfinal Pool 1 at Tokyo Dome.

Maeda, who had felt discomfort in his shoulder earlier in the spring and had been in poor form since joining the Japan squad on Feb. 15, allowed one hit and one walk, while striking out six.