Wu Di's two-run homer helped China past underdog DPRK 2-0, and defending champions United States were propelled by Jessica Mendoza home run to down Canada 4-0 in Pool A of the women's softball World Championship in Beijing on Tuesday.

The only opportunity to score for the hosts came in the fourth innings when Wu Di's home run sent her and Zhang Ai back to home plate to break the scoreless deadlock, helping China establish a 2-0 lead.

China got seven hits against DPRK' two all through the game. DPRKn coach came up to the umpire twice to protest over his fouling out decision of Korean player blocking a pass and a walk penalty for pitcher Kim Song Chun threw the ball on Chinese batter.

DPRK's best scoring opportunity came in the second after Chinese pitcher Li Qi fouled for failing to throw the ball within 20 seconds, sending Ri Kyong Hui to second and Choe Song Ok to third. Then Li Qi struck out Pak Hyon Ok to end the defense in the inning.

"China is making progress day after day and our two pitchers Li Qi and Lu Wei both played impressive pitching. I don't think we have already reached our peak and we still have the space to get better," said Michael Bastian, China's coach.

"China should develop a batting skill of diversity instead of the similar hitting skill practiced before," DPRK coach Pak Yong Bak was satisfied with his team in spite of suffering a loss.

"I don't think I should complain anything on my team in a game against one of the top four teams in the world. I am satisfied with the result. We lose only because the homer by Wu Di is really excellent and everyone should applaud on that," said Bak.

US starter pitcher Berg Laura struck out ten all through the match frustrating Canada offense a lot, allowing three hits only.

After two scoreless innings, the United States hit three straight singles to drive Warley Natasha home step by step to claim the first run of the game.

Berg Laura batted one-run triple in fourth to send Jung Lovieanne home then she had home run in seventh to score two runs for the defending champions.

Canada starter Risin Mackin gave off a walk to Duran Andrea followed by two singles from Jung Lovieanne and Laura Berg to give Duran Andrea another home plate.

United States got nine hits against three by Canada.

"We don't expect to beat United States before the game. United States is the defending champions and we put our eyes on tomorrow against DPRK," said Lori Anne Sippel, Canada coach.

"They got a powerful pitcher to strike out ten all through the match, so we can not turn out effective offense. I think it will be different if we got the ten opportunities."

In the other games, Japan downed Greece 3-2 to grab their third win, Netherlands crushed Botswana 11-0 to take their second triumph; Britain ousted South Africa 4-0 after two losses; Australia trounced Chinese Taipei 9-0 nabbing the third victory; New Zealand beat Italy 1-0 for their second win; Venezuela obtained second success from abandoned Colombia.

The World Softball Championship is the first Olympic test event in Beijing with 16 teams competing in two pools, which will produce four spots (excluding China, the host) participating in the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

(Xinhua News Agency August 30, 2006)