Yukiko Ueno pitched five hitless innings to lead Japan to gold in the Asian Games softball tournament with a 7-0 over Taiwan on Thursday.

Japan's offense dominated three Taiwanese pitchers for 10 hits and seven RBIs before the game was called in the bottom of the fifth inning.

"Ueno is the best in Asia. I have a lot of respect for her. She is the pride of Asia," said Taiwan pitcher Han Hsinlin.

Second baseman Rei Nishiyama scored three runs, while Eri Yamada and Ayumi Karimo added two each.

Earlier in the day, Lai Meng-teng scored three times to help Taiwan down heavily-favored China 10-7 to qualify for the gold medal game.

China scored four runs in the first inning and added three more in the third. Taiwan tied matters in the fourth and went ahead by three runs in the sixth.

The effort left Taiwan short of puff, however, making the game against Japan that much harder.

"Because we were tired we didn't play our best," Han said. "I'm glad we had the opportunity to play against Japan and perhaps we will meet in Beijing" at the 2008 Olympics, she said.