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Kazakhstan win Asian Women's Sevens
Kazakhstan win their third Asian Women's Sevens title in Doha.
Last Modified: 07 Sep 2007 09:51 GMT

Kazakhstan went through undefeated to win their third Asian Women's Sevens title [Al Jazeera]

Impressive Kazakhstan defeated Japan 25-0 to win their fourth Asian Women's Sevens title at the fifth annual tournament at the Doha Rugby Football Centre (DRFC) in Qatar on Saturday.
The Kazakhs went through the two-day tournament undefeated and convincingly beat Japan in the Cup final, who's only previous defeat in the tournament also came against Kazakhstan in the pool matches.

After an even start in the final, Kazakhstan scored two unconverted tries late in the first half to take a 10-0 lead at the break.

Japan tried hard, but the Kazakhstani defence was too good, reflecting their whitewash of all seven opponents during the weekend.

Farida Kalen scored early in the second half to give her side a 15-0 lead, with Kazakhstan closing out the match with two further tries.

"We've been training hard for so long, and our team's friendship and experience helped us to win this tournament," Svetlana Klyuchnikova, Kazakhstan captain, told Al Jazeera.

"I've dreamt about this all year, because last year we lost to China, so all year I've been thinking about the Asian Championships."

Klyuchnikova also hoped Kazakhstan's win would inspire other women in her country to play rugby.

Competition heats up

Kazakhstan's Karina Proskurina streaks away
for a try against Hong Kong [Al Jazeera]

Earlier in the day players braved temperatures of more than 40 degrees to complete their round-robin games in oppressive conditions, although to their credit the high standard of rugby never diminished.

Thailand's pacey Chitchanok Yusri was the leading try-scorer for the tournament with 12 tries.

Thailand put 50 points on the board as they defeated the Arabian Gulf side in the Plate final, while Hong Kong beat Singapore 5-0 in a tense Bowl final.

The Shield final was played between Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka, with the Uzbeks running out winners 19-5.

The inaugural Women’s Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament will be held in 2009 in conjunction with the men’s tournament, with the host city to be announced in early May 2007.

The Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union has submitted a bid to host the joint-tournament, with full support from the Asian Rugby Football Union.

Source:
Al Jazeera
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