SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN — Two walks issued were all that separated pitcher Adam Folkard from a perfect game here in today’s 5-0 win over New Zealand. The fact that the lanky hurler not only no-hit three-time defending International Softball Federation men’s world champion New Zealand, but did so in the gold medal game of the twelfth edition of the event, probably will set just as well with him on the flight home to Australia.

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN — At the last edition of the International Softball Federation’s Men’s World Championship, Australia won a medal at the event for the first time when they came in third place. Here they are going to do even better, having guaranteed themselves a spot in tomorrow’s gold medal game with a 2-0 victory tonight over Canada.

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN — Just 24 hours after teammate Andrew Kirkpatrick threw a (five inning) perfect game, pitcher Adam Folkard tossed a one-hitter as Australia blanked New Zealand, 7-0, in six innings at the International Softball Federation’s XII Men’s World Championship being played here.

SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN — After 56 games played there are only ten more left as the International Softball Federation’s XII Men’s World Championship (fast pitch) heads for playoff weekend.

The first pitch at the International Softball Federation’s XII Men’s World Championship is – as of today – just 50 days away. The 16 teams that will play in the marquee tournament are well aware of that, and showing as much by getting in some final warm-up games.

ENSCHEDE, Netherlands — After many days in a row of rain, it was fitting that very light precipitation tried to fall in the middle of today’s final game at the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) VIII Jr. Women’s World Championship (19-and-under, fast pitch) here. As it passed though, so too did the end of Japan’s quest for a three-peat after they fell, 3-1, to Team USA.

BEIJING, CHINA – Team USA repeated as champions tonight at the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) XI Women’s World Championship here, defeating Japan, 3-0.

BEIJING, CHINA – Australia, Japan, and USA have each earned a berth in the 2008 Olympic Softball competition. They, along with the host China, will be joined by another team after a special fifth place game on Tuesday morning, as the International Softball Federation’s (ISF) XI Women’s World Championship heads into its final day here.

The tournament that opened with 15 countries participating is now down to its final six, with four more games set for Monday, before the medal games take place when the event wraps up Tuesday.