CHINESE TEAM RECORDS FIRST PERFECT GAME OF 2002 WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SASAKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN – Li Qi threw four perfect innings and Zhang Yanqing threw one as the women’s team from China posted a 7-0 win over the Netherlands Antilles today at the International Softball Federation’s X Women’s World Championship. It was the first perfect game of the tournament, coming one day after the event’s first no-hitter (Michele Smith, Team USA). China’s game was called (official) when – with two out – their seventh run crossed the plate in the bottom of the fifth inning. The ISF’s “mercy rule” provides for a game to be called if a team is leading by 20 runs after three innings, 15 after four, or seven after five. Qi and Yanqing threw a total of just 56 pitches as their team remained unbeaten (5-0) in round robin play. Second baseman Deng Xiaoling hit a two-run home run to help the cause.

The day had begun with the Czech Republic picking up their first win after straight losses to open the tournament. They held off Russia, 4-1. The losers fell to the same record, unable to overcome what was just a two-run deficit (2- 0) after five innings.

The mercy rule was once again employed when the Netherlands thumped the Dominican Republic 13-3. That game ended after the top of the fifth, by which time the winners had nine hits and benefited from four Dominican errors. Second baseman Lynn Geertman was 2-for-2 and scored three times to lead the Netherlands.

In another game that needed only 41⁄2 innings, Japan blanked South Africa 9-0. The winners remain unbeaten (5-0) thanks to one-hit pitching by Juri Maeda. Japan scored three runs in each of the first three innings.

Australia kept pace with Japan atop Pool B with their 9-2 victory over Venezuela. Both teams are now 5-0 after Australia capitalized on five errors by the losers. Tied 2-2 after three, the game was broken open when the winners scored six times in the top of the fourth.

The rest of the day went as follows:

New Zealand moved into a tie for third place in Pool B with Puerto Rico, clubbing them 8-1. Both teams are now 3-2. This was yet another game that didn’t go the distance, thanks to the mercy rule. New Zealand right fielder Kim Dermott went 2-for-2 with two RBI and a run scored. Her team has won two straight after having dropped back-to-back games.

The United States continued their amazing shutout streak, dumping Chinese Taipei, 9-0. The Americans, 5-0, have yet to be scored on so far on this tournament, having scored 42 runs. Catcher Stacey Nuveman had a home run and pitcher Keira Goerl gave up only three hits in five innings, in what was a 41⁄2- inning game (mercy rule).

The evening ended just as last night did, with a nailbiting 1-0 decision, this one seeing Italy edge Canada in a Pool A showdown that left both teams with identical 2-3 records. The winners got the only run they needed in the top of the fifth and held the hosts to just one hit. Italy has now won two in a row after having lost their first three outings.

Wednesday’s schedule concludes with two marquee matchups featuring undefeated teams. Australia and Japan tangle at 6:30 p.m., followed by China taking on the United States at 8:30. All four teams are 5-0.

For more details on the games as well as tournament statistics and leaders, use the link below to the event's official website and click on Results. A text recap of each game can also be found on that site by clicking on Media Services from the homepage. That website also has the full tournament schedule. Media members and fans are also encouraged to visit this ISF website throughout the World Championship.

The top four teams from this event will qualify to play in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The medal games here are scheduled for Sunday, August 4.

Daily Round-ups
Results
View Event Photos