Sachiko Ito hit a two-run homer on Sunday to power Japan past Chinese Taipei 3-0 with Japan's famous starter Yukiko Ueno pitching all through the game in Women's World Softball Championship at Fengtai Softball Center in Beijing.

Yukiko Ueno, nicknamed "Robot" for her tirelessness strikeout of nine batters, allowed only two hits.

Eri Yamada's RBI bunted single in the third gave Japan an early lead. Sachiko Ito's two-run homer, the first home run in the championship, off Han Hsin Lin capped the lead in the sixth.

Chinese Taipei starter Lai Sheng Jung left after the third, giving up six hits and one run. Lin Su Hua relieved 1 2/3 innings and gave up two singles to Japan pinch hitter Aki Uenishi and Rei Nishiyama. Han Hsin Lin closed for a loss.

Chinese Taipei got a chance in the fifth when Chang Li Chiu was walked then took an extra base while Huang Hui Wen was forced out. Tung Yun Chi replaced Wen Li Hsiu to pinch hit, but only got a catch out.

"I haven't thought today's home run. But today I make it, I feel very good and now I have more confidence with my hit. I will try my best in the future," said Sachiko Ito, the first homer batter in the championship.

"Although we got the victory at last, but we also found a little errors in out team. So I think we will get better in the future."

Japan coach Hidetomi Ikama was very happy with his team. "We feel a little bit nervous, but I want to thank you all also. We are getting mature through this World Championship. In the near future, we will improve ourselves and we have to learn from today's illegality," said Ikawa.

Chinese Taipei coach does not feel frustrated with their failure. "We played normally, and I am satisfied because Japan is so strong."

"Our goal is to reach the top four, so that we can participate in the Beijing 2008 Olympics."

The 11th Women's World Softball Championship is the first Olympic test event in Beijing with 16 teams competing in two pools, which will produce four spots (excluding China, the host) to compete in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Source: Xinhua