Holding on to hope: Hong Kong women still in the frame to make Rio Olympics sevens

The Hong Kong women's side still have a mountain to climb if they are to make it to the Olympics - but at least the first step has been taken thanks to a thrilling 12-7 victory over China in Sunday's Asia Rugby Sevens Qualifier third-place play-off at Hong kong Stadium.

The final was out of reach after Kazakhstan's height and weight advantage proved too much in the second half of their morning group clash with the visitors winning 20-12 to ensure they would meet Japan to decide the tournament.

Favourites Japan then got it right when it mattered, brushing the Kazakhs aside 22-0. They had looked lacklustre in losing to China 12-5 in their last group game but the Asian champions rose to the occasion.

"In sevens rugby you have to forget your mistakes and we did that," said Japan coach Keiko Asami. "We are so happy because now we can go home and play in front of our country with our confidence high."

An extended qualifying process for the Rio Games means that there's another women's tournament to follow in Tokyo at the end of the month before Asia's automatic representative is finalised.

And then there's what promises to a brutal repêchage event for the teams who finish second to fourth at the various regionals over a weekend in July, destination to be advised, that has one final spot up for grabs.

"I think I've had my heart in my mouth for most of the weekend," said Hong Kong coach Anna Richards.

"[Third] gives us a mathematical chance, a tough one. We really need to win and have things go our way.