Japan and China will play the final of the women’s Asian Games hockey tournament after both teams won their matches in Doha, Qatar on Monday. China defeated Malaysia 4-1, while Japan was much too strong for Hong Kong (9-0). Japan was not only celebrating its place in the final of the most important Asian sporting event. Thanks to a place in the final, Japan is also qualified for the 2008 Olympic Games. In other Monday action, Korea defeated India 3-2.

Both Japan and China had a not extremely difficult task on Monday. Thanks to their great results earlier, both teams needed a victory to proceed to the final. China defeated Malaysia 4-1 and was the first finalist.

In later Monday action, Japan nailed Malaysia. Although it took the Japanese team more than 15 minutes to score the first goal, it was a very easy match for the number five of the Samsung World Cup. Kaori Chiba, recently voted in the WorldHockey All Star Team, was the top scorer with four goals.

Japan had two reasons to celebrate: reaching the final of the Asian Games and qualification for the 2008 Olympic Games as a result of this achievement. Korea and India, the two teams who will play the bronze medal match, are still in the ‘waiting room’. The bronze medalist of the Asian Games will also be qualified for the Olympic Games in the event that Japan will win the final. If China is crowned as Asian Champion on Wednesday, there is no direct qualification for the bronze medalist as in that case the extra quota goes to Oceania.

Action at the Asian Games continues on Tuesday with the two semifinals in the men’s competition scheduled. Pakistan will meet China, while Japan will face Korea. The final in the women’s competition between China and Japan will be played on Wednesday.

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