The US had earlier impressed in the bronze medal game by overcoming Australia 8-1 to set up a repeat of the 2012 final in Whitehorse, Canada.

That result saw the Australians leave the Championships with a bronze medal for the second successive time.

Japan had already inflicted defeat on the Americans in yesterday's playoff matches and came into the decider confident of securing a third World Championship crown.

That confidence was evident in the very first inning as Japan raced into a decisive 3-0 lead to immediately leave the US chasing the game.

Haruna Sakamoto drove a single between third and short, to allow Rei Nishiyama and Eri Yamada to streak home for two runs.

Minami Sato then drove the first ball she faced between first and second bases allowing Yukiyo Mine to pick up another run.

Pitcher Yukiko Ueno was in fine form once again with the ball and kept the US batters at bay denying Raven Chavanne, Kelsey Stewart and Michelle Moultrie chances at scoring with some strike-outs at vital times.

Japan celebrates after securing a second successive Women's Softball World Championship ©Haarlem 2014




Despite the best efforts of Sara Nevins with ball, the US surrendered a fourth run in the fifth inning after three straight singles from Nishiyama, Yu Yamamoto and Masato Kawano stretched the Japanese lead to 4-0.

The US hit back straight away as Laura Gibson connected sweetly to find a gap allowing Stewart to get home for a run.

That was as good as it got for the Americans, however, who will have to wait to claim a 10th world title.

Hosts The Netherlands finished the Championship in sixth place headed by Canada in fourth and Chinese Taipei in fifth, while China and New Zealand complete the top eight.

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