Japan’s men’s team and the Chinese women won gold medals at the Asian Championships in Zhaoqing, China.
The tournament also served as the continental qualification event for the World Championships in Singapore. In addition to the champions, the silver medalists also qualified for the World Championships. China won the silver medal in the men’s competition, while Japan finished second in the women’s tournament.
Men’s tournament
Nine teams participated in the men’s tournament. They were divided into two groups during the first phase. China finished first in Group A, while Japan topped Group B. Four teams from each group advanced to the quarterfinals, leaving only Chinese Taipei as the sole team eliminated after the group stage, finishing fifth in Group B.
All the favorites won their quarterfinal matches convincigly. China, Japan, Iran, and Kazakhstan qualified for the semifinals.
Japan defeated Kazakhstan 18:10 in the semifinals. The other semifinal match between Iran and China was dramatic. After 32 minutes, the score was 9:9. China held their nerves better during the shootout, conceding only one goal while scoring three, ultimately winning 13:10.
After three periods of the final match Japan – China, the teams were tied at 10:10. The Japanese dominated the fourth quarter and won gold with a 14:11 victory.
Kazakhstan claimed bronze. Iran didn’t have luck, just like in the semifinals. It lost in the shootout again. Kazakhstan won 16:14 (12:12).
By winning bronze, Kazakhstan kept its slim hopes of qualifying for the World Champions alive. If Japan wins a medal at the World Cup final tournament in Podgorica in April, Kazakhstan will earn the World Championships berth. However, such an outcome seems unlikely.
Results and standings
Group A, standings:1. China 9, 2. Kazakhstan 6, 3. Singapore 3, 4. Hong Kong 0.
Group B, standings: 1. Japan 12, 2. Iran 9, 3. South Korea 6, 4. Uzbekistan 3, 5. Chinese Taipei 0.
Quarterfinals: Kazakhstan – South Korea 22:9, Singapore – Iran 7:14, China – Uzbekistan 37:5, Hong Kong – Japan 7:27.
Semifinals: Kazakstan – Japn 10:18, Iran – China 10:13 (9:9)
Final: Japan – China 14:11
Bronze-medal match: Kazakhstan – Iran 16:14 (12:12)
Final standings: 1. Japan, 2. China, 3. Kazakhstan, 4. Iran, 5. South Korea, 6. Singapore, 7. Hong Kong, 8. Uzbekistan, 9. Chinese Taipei.
Women’s tournament
All six participants played in the same group, with no knockout matches.
As expected, both Japan and China achieved convincing wins in the first four rounds, and their encounter on the last day determined the winner.
The derby was a fierce battle. Each team scored 13 goals in regular time, and the match continued with a penalty shootout. China beat the Japanese 18:17 after a series of shots from the 5m line and secured gold.
Final standings:1. China 14 pts, 2. Japan 13, 3.Kazakhstan 9, 4. Singapore 6, 5. Uzbekistan, 6. Hong Kong.
