Hong Kong emerging as contender for Challenge Cup of Asia gold 7-5 win over Thailand sets stage for Saturday's match against Kuwait Robert Keith Apr 27, 2011 - 1:51:42 AM

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KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait - Hong Kong defeated Thailand 7-5 in the second day of competition at the 2011 Challenge Cup of Asia in Kuwait City on Tuesday. The team will play India on Wednesday and Macau on Friday and should have no problem dispatching either opponent.

India has been outscored a combined 68-2 thus far by Thailand (29-0 on Monday) and Kuwait (39-0 on Tuesday). Macau hasn't fared well either, having been outscored by Kuwait (8-3 on Monday) and the United Arab Emirates (8-0 on Tuesday).

With two likely victories ahead of them, the stage will be set for Saturday's match against Kuwait, whose two shut out wins have ranked them first in the competition. Kuwait however, now faces the meat of their schedule with contests against the UAE on Wednesday and Thailand on Friday before facing Hong Kong on the final day of the event.

The UAE has defeated Kuwait in five previous competitions, including a 5-2 win in the 2011 Asian Winter Games, held in February. Thailand beat Kuwait 5-0 in last year's Challenge Cup of Asia and 5-3 in the 2011 Asian Winter Games.

Kuwait ranked seventh out of nine participating nations in last year's Challenge Cup of Asia, their first appearance in the event. They placed second, behind the UAE in 2008's Arab Cup of Ice Hockey and second, again behind the UAE in last year's Gulf Ice Hockey Championship.

Hong Kong hosted the inaugural Challenge Cup of Asia in 2008 and came away with the Bronze medal after winning three of five games played, placing third out of six participating nations. The team placed fourth out of eight participants in 2009 and fifth out of nine participants in 2010. The event accounts for the bulk of Hong Kong's experience in international competition.

Saturday will mark the first meeting between Kuwait and Hong Kong in international competition.

Wednesday's showcase contest will be between Kuwait and the UAE, once favored to win the competition. Kuwait needs a victory to remain in contention for the gold medal.

The UAE will be battling to stay in the race for silver after their narrow loss to Hong Kong on Monday. A loss on Wednesday will make a bronze medal the more likely result for the winners of the 2009 Challenge Cup.

Contact the writer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com


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