China in driving seat
Japan missed out on a place in the final of the first round of the Asian 7s in Incheon, putting winners China firmly in the driving seat
Published by John Birch, September 8th, 2024
2 minute read
2015 was the last time that Japan failed to reach the final of any round of the Asian 7s. But, after a routine opening day of the Asian 7s in Incheon, a sensational performance by Hong Kong in the semi-finals knocked the perennial champions out.
Hong Kong lead throughout the first half, only for Japan to pull level early in the second. A titanic battle then followed before Ka Yan Chong scored Hong Kong’s winner after a long five minute final play.
China also struggled a little in their semi-final against Thailand, but other than that dominated the tournament, beating Hong Kong comfortably in the final.
Results
Pool C: Thailand 15-0 Kazakhstan; Japan 41-0 United Arab Emirates; Thailand 29-0 United Arab Emirates; Japan 38-0 Kazakhstan; Kazakhstan 29-12 United Arab Emirates; Japan 28-5 Thailand
Pool D: Hong Kong 21-5 Singapore; China 29-0 Malaysia; Hong Kong 17-15 Malaysia; China 44-0 Singapore; Singapore 0-22 Malaysia; China 14-7 Hong Kong
5th-8th Place Semi Finals: Kazakhstan 31-0 Singapore; United Arab Emirates 17-7 Malaysia
Semi-Finals Japan 7-12 Hong Kong; Thailand 14-19 China
7th Place: Singapore 7-15 Malaysia
5th Place: Kazakhstan 19-0 United Arab Emirates
3rd Place: Japan 21-19 Thailand
Final: Hong Kong 0-26 China