After all matches were rained off yesterday the Championship playoffs began in earnest with a clash between Japan and 2012 bronze medallists Australia.

After a scoreless first three innings, two runs from Eri Yamada and Haruna Sakamoto got the Japanese on their way in the fourth before Misato Kawano and Yukiyo Mine made it a 4-0 win for the champions in the fifth inning.

A 6-1 win for the US over Canada set up a semi-final clash between the finalists from two years ago.

The Japanese showed no signs of letting up as they put in a dominant display against their big rivals led by two runs from Rie Nagayoshi with Yu Yamamoto, Misato Kawano and Minami Sato chipping in with vital runs in a 6-1 win.

Pitcher Yukiko Ueno also impressed, striking out seven batters.

In between plotting their route to the final the Japanese squad also displayed a banner showing their support for the campaign to try and get softball back on the Olympic programme after it was dropped following Beijing 2008, where Japan won the gold. 

Members of the Japanese team display their support for softball's return to the Olympic programme ©WBSC




Earlier in the day, Australia bounced back from their defeat to Japan by thrashing hosts The Netherlands 8-0 followed by a 7-3 win over Canada in a match that decided who will take on the US in tomorrow's bronze medal match.

The Netherlands had eliminated China on a 7-5 scoreline, while Canada had overcome Chinese Taipei 2-1 to set up the match.

A two-run grab by Leigh Godfrey and a single from Clare Warwick put the Australians 3-0 up in the fifth inning before Jennifer Yee led a Canadian comeback to tie the scores at 3-3.

Warwick registered another double, while Belinda White and Stacey Porter added two more singles to eventually see the Aussies come out on top.

The result of a hectic day of action in Haarlem means that Canada finish fourth at the Championships, while Japan awaits the winner of the bronze medal match between Australia and the US.

Both games will bring the Championships to a close at the Nol Houtkamp Sportpark tomorrow.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related Stories
August 2014: Day eight a washout at Women's Softball World Championships in Haarlem
August 2014: Expanded broadcast coverage of Women's Softball World Championship announced in United States and Japan
August 2014: Big two confirm playoff places as remain unbeaten at Women's Softball World Championships
August 2014: Wins for Italy and New Zealand as rain halts action again at Women's Softball World Championship
August 2014: Japan whitewash New Zealand to extend winning streak at Women's Softball World Championship