Women's handball: spirited Japan wins handball bronze

In a scintillating encounter between Japan and China in the bronze medal match of the women's handball competition, it was Japan who edged through to take 3rd place after a 25-22 victory at Al-Gharrafa Indoor Hall.

The key to Japan's success was their ability to share the goals throughout their team, with eight players getting on the score sheet and Akiko Kinjo, Hisayo Taniguchi and Eiko Yamada all contributing with five goals apiece.

China, meanwhile, relied heavily on the talents of Li Weiwei, who converted 13 goals from 17 attempts - six from the seven metre area. But ultimately they found Japan too powerful and produced fewer chances.

It was the Japanese who took an early advantage with a 16-13 first half lead, but China fought back hard in the second half in a bid to reduce the deficit. Despite their best efforts, however, Japan held their nerve to level the second period 9-9 and take the match.

"We haven't been able to play our own game until now and we really persevered until the end," said Japanese captain Hitomi Sakugawa. "We have played against China in previous championships and the two teams know each other's style quite well.

"But we were playing our own game and our goalkeepers in particular were doing a great job. That really boosted our confidence and we were able to hold on until the end."

Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the men's handball tournament continued with the placement match for fifth and sixth position between Japan and Syria. In another close contest it was the Syrians who won the match for fifth place after a 34-31 victory.

Japan coach Ivica Rimanic was upset with some of the decisions during the match and said after the game: "The referees took 10 balls from us and that was four goal opportunities, and there was nothing we could do about it.

"Our players really showed that we would not be influenced or affected by the referees' bad decisions. I am extremely disappointed with how this has turned out and I will write a report on the referees, because this must stop as it is getting ridiculous. Handball will not get any better if the referees are not just and fair in their decisions."

15th Asian Games, Doha 2006