Olympic Softball Roundup: Japan wins, U.S. stunned, hope exists

Source: Xinhua | 08-22-2008 11:13

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese boyish pitcher Ueno Yukiko led the national team to win the Olympic softball gold, beating the three-time Olympic champions the United States 3-1 in the final here on Thursday.

The 26-year-old ace pitcher worked seven complete innings, striking out five batters and allowing five hits.

Japan, with an Olympic silver and a bronze, as well as a 6-1 win-loss record from this preliminaries, had a difficult time advancing into the final on Wednesday.

Members of the women's softball team of Japan celebrate on the  podium at the awarding ceremony of the women's softball  competition of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China,  Aug. 21, 2008. Japan claimed the title in this event.(Xinhua/Wu Wei)

On the morning, the team had an early encounter with American ladies during semi-final, when Ueno hurled throughout the prolonged nine-inning match at a speed above 110 kilometers per hour.

Although Japanese finally lost with a score of 1-4, they seized the last chance in the afternoon.

The do-or-die competition with Australia was a tiring one. With 12 innings, it was the longest one at the Beijing Olympics.