For Chinese Taipei it was their second match of the day following a shock 10-7 win over bronze medallists China in the morning.

They could not maintain that form however and failed to get a hit all game off Japanese pitcher Yukiko Ueno.

Japan, on the other hand, found runs easy to come by, scoring two in the first and third innings and a match-clinching three runs in the fourth. They had 10 hits in all with Rei Nishiyama making it around all the bases three times for runs.

"It was a perfect game and all my players were great," said Hidetomi Ikawa, Japan's manager. "All hitters did a good job. The first game, when we defeated China gave us enough confidence to keep winning. The tournament was good for all my pitchers."

Ueno added: "The hitters made many runs so I could enjoy pitching. I was told not to give up any runs and I was helped by all the fielders."

Chinese Taipei coach Chang Chia Hsing was not too despondent with his team's silver medal. "The Japanese team is really stronger than us. Our players have done their best.

"Everyone used all of their energy to play against China this morning and everyone has some injuries. It is a pit that we could not fight longer in this match."

15th Asian Games, Doha 2006