World Lacrosse Championship: Hong Kong could be left to sweat on playoff spot despite wins over Austria, Scotland
- City’s men’s side must beat Mexico on Monday, and hope results in the other pools go their way in San Diego, California
- Hong Kong overcame Austria 9-6 on Sunday after stunning upset against powerhouse Scotland, but goal difference could cost them
Hong Kong are one win away from potentially qualifying for the main playoff bracket at the World Lacrosse Championship, after overcoming Austria 9-6 in San Diego on Sunday.
Coupled with Scotland’s defeat by Italy, who have already secured passage to the knockout round, Hong Kong sit second in Pool E ahead of Monday’s clash with Mexico.
The city’s men’s side had secured a stunning 9-7 upset against powerhouse Scotland on Saturday. But a third win in four games may not be enough as the team’s fate will depend on results from other pools.
“Even if we finish top two in the group, we are most probably going to be the worst second-placed team in Pool B to F because of our poor goal difference,” Kelvin Mak Ho-chun, who captained the city’s side, said.
“Therefore, we might not be able to reach the championship bracket and fall into the 15th to 22nd bracket, which is disappointing.
“But it is what it is. Now we will just focus on beating Mexico tomorrow and who knows what will happen.”
Ranked three places below world No 24 Austria, Hong Kong asserted control right from the start on Sunday. Liam Ferris stepped up with four goals, while there was a double from Dash Tsai.
