World Lacrosse Championship: Hong Kong captain Kelvin Mak says ‘we belong’ after win over Netherlands seals best finish

They triumph in 13th-place play-off thanks to three goals from Dash Tsai and two apiece for Tony Ko and Logan Ip

‘I hope it encourages young players in Hong Kong to dream big and pursue their lacrosse dream,’ Mak says. ‘This sets a high standard for future Hong Kong teams’

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Hong Kong players celebrate victory in the 13th-place play-off at the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship. Photo: Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association

Published: 12:33pm, 1 Jul 2023Updated: 5:31pm, 1 Jul 2023

Hong Kong ended their World Lacrosse Men’s Championship on a high as they beat the Netherlands to secure 13th place, their best ever finish.

A 10-7 triumph for Hong Kong – who are playing in the tournament’s elite play-off section for the first time – was powered by a stunning second-quarter salvo in San Diego on Friday, as they scored five goals without reply to take control and propel themselves towards victory.

There were three goals for Dash Tsai and two apiece for Tony Ko and Logan Ip as Hong Kong completed a memorable campaign in style.

Having qualified top-14 play-offs with a dramatic, last-gasp victory over Mexico, the Hongkongers had already tested the much higher-ranked Haudenosaunee and Germany. The former had denied them a quarter-final spot and the Germans then edged them out on Thursday to send them into the play-off for 13th and 14th.

Hong Kong captain Kelvin Mak celebrates scoring his goal. Photo: Hong Kong, China Lacrosse Association

They twice trailed early on to the Netherlands, but Ip, one of their stars of the tournament, drew them level at 1-1, before captain Kelvin Mak Ho-chun again equalised at 2-2.