The rugby sevens tournament at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou commenced today, September 24, at the Hangzhou Normal University Cangqian Athletics Field. Hong Kong, China men's and women's rugby teams encountered little resistance in their opening group matches. The women's team in Group F first shut out India 38-0, then defeated Singapore 29-0 in the afternoon. The men's team in Group A also started strong, overpowering Malaysia 40-7 and securing a 43-5 victory against the Philippines.

Women’s Team Overview:

In the women’s inaugural match against India, the Hong Kong, China team took control from the onset. CHONG Ka Yan showcased remarkable speed and agility, scoring two successive tries, putting the team 12-0 ahead. Co-captain Melody LI Nim-Yan followed with a third try, concluding the first half with a 19-0 advantage. The second half saw continued dominance from Hong Kong, China, with co-captain Natasha OLSON-THORNE scoring following a long run and a pass from CHONG Ka Yan, who completed a hat-trick. Holding a substantial lead, the Hong Kong, China team made several player substitutions. India attempted a counterattack, but due to their impatience and numerous errors, they allowed Hong Kong, China to score once more, with HO Tsz Wun making the score in her debut appearance in the Asian Games. Ultimately, Hong Kong, China defeated India 38-0, securing a resounding victory.

In the afternoon, the Women's team displayed clear dominance from the outset against Singapore. CHONG Ka Yan scored the first try and assisted teammate Chloe Chan for the second. Singapore attempted a comeback but was thwarted by Hong Kong's stringent defense, leading to another try by CHONG Ka Yan and a 17-0 lead at half-time. Despite Singapore's efforts, Natasha OLSON-THORNE and FUNG Hoi Ching each scored, securing a 29-0 win for Hong Kong, China and temporarily placing them first in their group. At 11:15 tomorrow morning, the Hong Kong, China team will compete with Japan for the top spot in the group and a chance to advance.

Men's Team Overview:

The defending champions, the Hong Kong, China men's team, faced Malaysia in their opening match. Salom YIU Kam Shing, who has competed in the Asian Games four times, was the first to score. Following this, James CHRISTIE and Michael COVERDALE executed a successful play on the right, adding another try to the scoreboard. Before halftime, Salom YIU secured his second try with assistance from a teammate. In the second half, a slight misstep from Hong Kong, China allowed Malaysia to narrow the score to 7-21. Nonetheless, Liam HERBERT’s individual effort widened the lead to 28-7. Gaining momentum, Max DENMARK added two more tries. Russell WEBB executed the conversions successfully, making 5 out of 6, rounding off the first match with a solid 40-7 win for Hong Kong, China.

In the group stage, Hong Kong, China faced another opponent, the Philippines. The match started with the Philippines breaking through to score in just 40 seconds. However, Hong Kong, China team quickly steadied their nerves, with James CHRISTIE scoring to level the game. Subsequently, Liam HERBERT showcased his skills, pulling off a hat-trick in 130 seconds. In the second half, the trailing Philippines had no answer, as Cado LEE Ka To, Salom YIU, and Max DENMARK each scored tries, bringing the match to a close with a final score of 43-5 in favor of Hong Kong, China. Advancing as the top team of Group A, Hong Kong, China is scheduled to compete against the second-placed team from Group B, Chinese Taipei, at 11:40 tomorrow morning, vying for a semi-final spot.