Pakistan and Japan geared up for a crucial battle in the Asian Games men's field hockey with big wins over lowly rivals here on Saturday. Japan rode on a six-goal burst by penalty corner expert Takahiko Yamabori to blast hapless Hong Kong 12-1 and Pakistan dismissed Taiwan 9-0 in another group A match at the Al Rayyan stadium here.
Japan and Pakistan are locked on seven points each and face-off in the last league encounter on Sunday that will lift the winner into the semi-finals. The loser faces an early exit as Malaysia, who have the luxury of playing unfancied Taiwan on Sunday, will move to eight points and book the second semi-final spot. A draw between Pakistan and Japan will force a three-way tie to be settled on goal-difference.
"There is everything to play for against Japan," said Pakistan coach Shahnaz Sheikh. "It's a make or break game for us." Japanese manager Kyoichi Nagaya said Sunday's match will be the "turning point of the tournament."
CHINA'S GAO AND HUANG WIN BADMINTON GOLD China's Gao Ling and Huang Sui won gold in the women's double badminton on Saturday defeating teammates Zhang Jiewen and Yang Wei in a tough three-set match.
JAPAN'S SASAMOTO WINS 60KG WRESTLING GOLD Japan's Makoto Sasamoto won the 60kg greco-roman wrestling gold medal at the Asian Games here Saturday, beating Sheng Jiang of China in a points decision.
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