As defending champion, Japan skipped the qualifications and played directly in the final round of the inter-zone ties (team matches), effectively the semifinals of the tournament.
From the Australasian zone, New Zealand advanced to the next round after beating Australia 4–3.
From the Asian zone the Indonesia team advanced to the inter-zone ties with a walkover against Thailand.
From the Pan American zone, Canada beat the United States 6–1.
Japan retained the title for a third time after defeating Indonesia 6–1 in the final.