Last night Australia was relegated to the 3rd-4th playoff (against Hong Kong) for the first time in Asia-Oceania Korfball History. They lost 27-16 and Jess Rismondo left the court with an injured knee. Hopefully, it was just a “Jess Rizz” injury and she’ll be back up and running today and fatigue and injuries do not prevent the Australians from overturning their loss against the Hing Kong team on the first day of this tournament.
Here’s the match report from the IKF:
“Taipei too strong in the second half for the tired Aussies
Australia kept close to Chinese Taipei in the first half and was unlucky not to be even closer at half time than 10-7 after missing many easy opportunities. Ben Wallace was having his best game for the week and Clinton Bryan was consistent again. After the break Australia’s leading scorer for the week, Jessica Rissmondo (sic) left the court with an injured knee and the Taiwanese machine kicked into top gear. Chinese Taipei eventually ran out comfortable victors 27-16 and showed why they have been the dominant force in Asia / Oceania for many years.”
Clearly, the fast pace of the game suited Ben’s style and the Chinese Taipei defence must have worked hard to cut Jess May’s influence.
The biggest news of the tournament though is that China is through to the final after defeating Hong Kong 24-20.
They’ve come from nowhere in the past few years and the Political turmoil between the two countries will likely make the final a hard fought encounter.
It’s great to have the Chinese performing so well, so quickly in our sport as it can only help to strengthen Korfball’s position in World Sport if China can become a force.
Finally, the Kiwis face off against India for 5th place and a potential spot in the World Championships. The IKF Council has decided that if less than five countries will enter the IKF African Championships in September 2010, an extra place will be made available to the participants in this Asia-Oceania Championship. It would be New Zealand’s first World Championships if they win and that 5th spot becomes available.