DPR Korea beat South Africa 3-0 at the 11th women's Softball World Championship here on Sunday.

DPR Korea scored all three runs in the top of the third inning.

The shortstop, Pak Hyon Ok, gounded to the center of the infield and ran to first as the result of a South Africa's error. Kim Un Ju followed suit with another single and drove Pak Hyon Ok home, starting a string of three runs by DPR Korea. Then Kim Un Ju and Yun Kyong Hui added another two on Kim Jin Ok's single, putting their team in the lead.

The winners got three runs totally during the game.

The DPR Korea starter Kim Song Chun struck out 6, giving up only one walk and shutouting the rivals in her three pitching innings before being replaced.

South Africa earned no runs with only four hits and two errors.

"I am very happy to have a victory in the first match. We should keep the momentum and play well in the rest of the tournament," DPR Korean coach Pak Yong Bok said.

"I am so glad I can get two RBI singles for my team and help my team get the win. We have very good team spirits, and all the players worked hard and played well. We just want to play well without setting a high goal yet," said DPR Korean center fielder Yun Kyong Hui.

In the fourth, when DPR Korea made the substitution of the pitcher, right fielder Sanette Van Niekerk shot to the left of outfield and got on first and then second on Novelli Bianca's single, but she was unfortunately forced out when running to third at the bat of Astrid Van Kesteren. That was the time South Africa went closest to the home plate.

Nicolene Jones, South African pitcher, didn't seem to be disturbed by the loss. "That was my first turn at the bat for the tournament. I think if I had chance I would have done much better. In fact, I think I am a good batter," said Jones.

Source: Xinhua