China women's handball side beat Kazakhstan 34-24 at the Asian Games on Friday. The result leaves both teams level on 6 points but China now top of the table after playing one more game. Kazakhstan had not lost before this match.
To be fair, China came into this fixture in good shape. They had won three of their four matches and drawn their fourth, while Kazakhstan were unbeaten in three games with two wins and a draw. The visitors had also beaten the hosts 32-30 just over a month earlier in December.
The final score tells you China were the stronger side today. They scored ten goals more than their opponents and kept Kazakhstan to a relatively modest tally. The home team will feel they could have done better, especially after drawing with China in their previous meeting.
For Kazakhstan, this is their first defeat. They had been building momentum with wins over Iran and mixed results elsewhere. The loss drops them down the table, though they remain competitive in the tournament.
China's position is now firmer. Six points from four games puts them ahead of Kazakhstan on goal difference and games played. They have extended their unbeaten run and look among the favourites to go further.
