Korea pulled off a major shock on the opening day of the first sevens event in the new Asian Rugby Seven series at the Shanghai Rugby Football Club in China with a shocking 28-17 win over favourites and number one seed Japan yesterday.
Nine of Asia’s top rugby playing countries namely Japan, Hong Kong, China, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and India are contesting.
The teams divided into three groups saw each of the top three seeds Japan, Hong Kong and China start on a high note with wins over Sri Lanka (36-0), Singapore (38-0) and India (55-0).
Chinese Taipei and Korea followed suit with convincing wins over India (33-0) and Singapore (51-0). Hong Kong defeated arch rivals Korea 28-17 while Japan beat Thailand 38-5 and China overcame Chinese Taipei 35-5.
Sri Lanka met success in their second match defeating Thailand 26-7 but went down tamely to Hong Kong 42-7. Hong Kong the only side to remain unbeaten is due to meet Chinese Taipei, will go all out to avenge the defeat of their U20 side in the Junior Asiad which concluded yesterday.
Korea after their early lapse against Hong Kong outclassed Japan but was held to a 17 all draw by China. The completion of the first days matches will see China lock horns with Japan who will go all out to salvage their lost prestige.
Day One Results:
Pool Round 1 – Japan 36 Sri Lanka 0, Hong Kong 38 Singapore 0, China 55 India 0, Sri Lanka 26 Thailand 7, Korea 51 Singapore 0, Chinese Taipei 33 India 0, Japan 38 Thailand 5, Hong Kong 26 Korea 17 and China 35 Chinese Taipei 17. Pool Round 2 – Thailand 19 India 17, Hong Kong 42 Sri Lanka 7, Korea 28 Japan 17, Singapore 10 India 7, Chinese Taipei 17 Sri Lanka 10 and China 17 Korea 17.
Hong Kong emerge U20 Asian champs
Hong Kong emerged the U20 Junior Asian Champions with a comprehensive 37-0 win over Chinese Taipei 37-0 in the final worked off at the Hong Kong Football Club grounds yesterday.
In the battle for the third place Sri Lanka who were outplayed by Hong Kong at 51-10 recorded an upset 31-15 over the defending champions Hong Kong who were beaten 34-29 by Chinese Taipei in the semi final. Meanwhile Thailand overcame Malaysia 39-12 for the fifth slot.
-MSA |
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