BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Zhou Yi scored the pivotal run in the first inning after teammate Zhang Ai's fine hit as Hosts China beat Canada 1-0 to advance to last eight at the softball worlds here on Saturday.

    "We came to win but didn't make it. We are disappointed, but have to focus on tomorrow's match. Both teams played well. We had more hits than China and create good chance in the last inning, " said Canada boss Sippel Lori Anne.

    "I feel exciting. Canada played an outstanding game, but we took the opportunity. We were like opportunists but we are happy to get the win," said China coach Michael Bastian.

    China will meet Pool B leaders Japan on Sunday.

    "Japan is one of the best teams in the world, if not the best. They have the best pitcher and we have to do our best."

    China only lost to world powerhouse the United States in the previous six Pool A group matches and things are the same.

    Both teams had good pitchers and a solid defense system on the field, making the game to be in deadlock as the batters found it hard to get fine hits. China clinched the chance through Zhang Ai's hit, which is the only one the hosts produced during the whole game.

    Canada had four hits and a fine double base hit in the seventh inning made their rivals a little bit nervous, but finally couldn't take the chance before Lu Wei's nice pitching. Enditem