Megan Timpf's team-high three hits lifted Canada to an overwhelming 6-1 victory over Chinese Taipei in the opening game of the Beijing Olympic softball tournament on Tuesday.

The Canadians wasted no time to take a lead, putting up two runs in the top of the second inning. Megan Timpf's double set off her teammate to break the deadlock and added another run by herself due to the third baseman's error.

In the top of the third inning, a hot batting Megan put her second hit of the game to the center field with a double to give the Canadians a 4-0 advantage.

"We just took every opportunity to run because we trust the preparations we have done in the past few years. It was a good start for us today and the team was in a good form," said Megan, who was on her first Olympic tour.

Chinese Taipei's start pitcher Wu Chia-Yen felt the pressure from the opponent's powerful hitters and was replaced by Chueh Ming-Hui in the following innings.

In contrast, Canadian leading pitcher Lauren Regula recorded no-hitting in the first four innings, working five whole innings and recording eight strikeouts.

"We did an outstanding job today and the victory was a huge boost for the whole team. We should go further this time," said the steady pitcher.

The Canadians achieved two more runs in the top of sixth inning despite another reliever hurler was put into the circle by Chinese Taipei's coach.

Li Chiu-Ching's brilliant solo home run in the last inning gifted Chinese Taipei's only run of the game and cheered the 5250 crowds under the scorching sunshine in the Fengtai Softball Center Field.

(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2008)