The Olympic softball final between defending champion the United States and Athens bronze medalist Japan was interrupted by rain on Thursday evening.

The match was scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. It was resumed about 15 minutes later.

The teams were in the fourth inning when the drizzle turned moderate rain.

At the third inning, Japan's Karina Ayumi's single put her teammate Mishina Masumi home, changing the score to 1-0.

A solo home by the Japanese in the next inning further enlarged their advantage to 2-0.

(Xinhua News Agency August 21, 2008)