Nikkei flat as Softbank falls but resource shares up

(Updates to midsession)

TOKYO, May 9 (Reuters) - The Nikkei share average was nearly flat on Wednesday, weighed down by Softbank Corp. (9984.T) after a brokerage rate cut, but the benchmark index was supported by resources shares such as metals.

The Nikkei .N225 finished the morning up 0.01 percent or 1.35 points at 17,658.19. The broad TOPIX index added 0.14 percent to 1,735.09.