The two sides had already booked their place in the next round of the tournament, along with Japan, but the victor was ensured of qualifying as the top seed.

Both teams came into the contest with unbeaten records but it was Puerto Rico who prevailed at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex.

Second seeds the United States, Canada, Australia, China and Chinese Taipei also progressed as pool play concluded today.

The US ended the first phase of the competition with six victories as they preserved their unbeaten record on home soil.

The American team began with a 15-0 thrashing of The Philippines in Pool A before they swept aside Chinese Taipei 9-1.

Chinese Taipei had earlier guaranteed themselves a Championship round berth by beating Italy 3-0.

Japan, whose qualification was assured before the final set of matches, hammered The Bahamas 17-0 in their last group game.

Australia were second behind Japan in Pool B, ending the pool phase with a five wins and one loss record after they demolished Israel 20-0.

Canada finished their Pool D campaign with an unblemished record as they beat China 6-1.

China were able to hang on to the second available place in the Championship round in the Pool despite the defeat.

Ireland made history as they picked up their first victory at a World Championship, ousting South Korea 4-1 in Pool D.

Action in the Championship and placement rounds begins tomorrow at the World Baseball Softball Confederation event.

The tournament is taking place before women's softball's return to the Olympic stage at Tokyo 2020.