Hong Kong women still on course for shortcut to quarter-finals

Hong Kong's women maintained their 100 per cent record in the World Championships when they defeated Italy 3-0 in Manchester, England last night.

Hong Kong have now won three out of three in Group C, boosting their chances of securing a place in the play-offs. On Thursday, the territory, led by Chai Po-wa and Chan Tan-lui, defeated Taiwan 3-1 and the United States 3-0. They were to face Germany late last night, with a victory ensuring a play-off place.

However, coach David Cheng said yesterday their target was to win the group and gain direct entry into the quarter-finals. To do that, Hong Kong must beat their main group rivals, North Korea, today.

'We can finish third or second and still qualify, but if we want to make it straight into the last eight, we will have to win the group,' said Cheng.

Hong Kong's only defeat in a rubber came on Thursday against Taiwan when Chai fell 10-21, 21-16, 11-21, to Xu Jing.

Against Italy, Hong Kong dropped just one game in Chan's 19-21, 21-19, 21-11 win over Alessia Arisi. Chai then beat Laura Negrisoli 21-14, 21-13 before Wong Ching completed the rout with a 21-17, 21-11 victory over Ding Yan.

Favourites China felt confident enough to rest world and Olympic champion Deng Yaping in their 3-0 victory over Canada for their third straight win.