The Hong Kong, China Women's team faced a challenging match against Japan, resulting in a 33-0 defeat in their final pool match. Despite a valiant effort, they encountered a strong China side in the semi-final, ultimately falling short with a 33-0 loss. However, their journey is not over yet, as they gear up to face Thailand in the bronze medal match tomorrow, aiming to secure a podium finish. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong, China Men's team delivered an impressive performance, triumphing over Chinese Taipei in a resounding 42-5 victory during the semi-final. Their dominant display secured them a spot in the upcoming clash against Japan, where they will compete for a place in the final.

Women's Team Matches:

This morning, the Hong Kong, China Women's team faced Japan in their final pool match. 

Hong Kong started strongly, as Chong Ka Yan made a breakthrough try. Japan, the defending champions, quickly responded with a try of their own, leaving Hong Kong, China trailing slightly at 5-7 at halftime. In the second half, Japan showcased their formidable prowess, maintaining control over most of the possession and scoring several successive tries.  In the end, Hong Kong, China lost 5-22, finishing second in the pool F and advancing to the semi-final.

Subsequently, the Women's team clashed with host China in the semi-final. China showcased a solid defense and utilised their physical advantage to make consecutive breakthroughs, securing four tries in the first half. In the second half, despite Hong Kong, China swiftly adjusting their strategy and gradually gaining control of possession, they were unable to convert this control into points under the stringent defense of their opponents. Eventually, the Women's team lost 0-33, missing out on the final.

Hong Kong, China sevens coach Andy Vilk said, ‘Really positive start to the tournament on Day 1, not conceding a try and showing some good character in defense, as well as scoring 11 tries in attack. A very promising start to Day 2 against Japan enabled us to continue building the tournament despite eventually going down 5-22. A semi final loss against a strong China team has offered an opportunity for the team to reflect ready to meet the challenge in the Bronze medal game on Day 3.’

Men's Team Matches:

The Men's team faced off against Chinese Taipei, the second-placed team from Group B, in the quarter-final. Just 75 seconds into the match, Russell Webb opened the scoring for Hong Kong, China. Chinese Taipei responded with a counterattack, turning the match into a tug-of-war. Before the end of the first half, Max Denmark, leveraging his remarkable individual skills, broke through the defense and scored, giving Hong Kong, China a 14-5 lead at halftime. In the second half, Hong Kong, China continued their momentum with Liam Doherty and Hugo Stiles both scoring. The players from Chinese Taipei made mistakes in their haste and even received a yellow card. Hong Kong, China took advantage of the extra player, with Alessandro Nardoni and Yiu Kam Shing adding more points to further secure the victory, ultimately triumphing 42-5 over their opponents.

“I’m pleased with how the first two days have gone. There’s plenty of excitement within this group to go out on the field and express themselves and I thought they have done that against some challenging opposition. Japan will pose another challenge for us tomorrow but the players have prepared well, have lots of motivation within them and hopefully they can transfer that into a performance that we can be proud of, ” said Men’s Sevens Head Coach Jevon Groves.

DAY 3 Matches preview:

In other Men's team matches, Japan narrowly secured a 28-14 victory over the United Arab Emirates, advancing to the semi-final. The defending champions, the Hong Kong, China Men’s team, are set to face Japan in the semi-final at 10:50 in the morning. This matchup is reminiscent of their encounter in the final at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, indicating another exciting duel. On the Women's side, the Hong Kong, China team will compete against Thailand for the bronze medal at 16:50. Meanwhile, the Women's gold medal match will see China facing off against Japan.