Incheon, Korea, November 24, 2019: Korea beat Hong Kong 12-7 in the final of the Asia Rugby Olympic Games qualifier to book their spot at Tokyo 2020. Jang Seongmin was the Korean hero, scoring a length of the field try and sparking wild celebrations. It was heartbreaking for Hong Kong but elation for the hosts and Korea will now join Japan at next year’s Olympic Games with Hong Kong and China joining the men’s repechage. Jamie Hood gave Hong Kong a slender lead in the first half after four minutes of enthralling action but Park Wanyong scored for Korea - the first try Hong Kong had conceded all weekend. This leveled the scores at 7-7 to set up a thrilling finale in sudden death extra time. “The last try was amazing, it means so much to us,” said captain Park. “We give the fans an Olympic opportunity and this is for the fans.” It will be only the second time rugby sevens has been at the Games having made its debut at Rio 2016. Twelve men’s sides and 12 women’s sides will battle for glory at Tokyo 2020 and Asia will now be represented by Japan in both events and by China in the women’s sevens and Korea in the men’s sevens. Kazakhstan and Hong Kong women and Hong Kong and China men will also head to the global repechage in Biarritz for one last change of a ticket to Tokyo. Liu Luda, Shan Changshun and Wu Jiajun confirmed China’s place at the repechage in the all-important third place play-off with a 19-14 win over the Philippines. Final Korea 12Hong Kong 7 Third place play-off China 19 Philippines 14 Semi finals Korea 12-7 China Philippines 0-26 Hong Kong Quarterfinals Korea 32-7 Malaysia China 50-5 Singapore Sri Lanka 17-24 Philippines Hong Kong 38-0 Afghanistan
Korea wins Asian rugby sevens qualifier to book Tokyo ticket
