HARBIN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan secured a 2-1 victory over China in a men's ice hockey Group A match at the Harbin Asian Winter Games on Monday, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Thailand.
China took the lead early through Hou Yuyang's opening goal, but Japan equalized when Riku Ishida converted a power play opportunity. Midway through the third period, Kenta Takagi's long-range effort put Japan ahead.
With under two minutes left, China pulled their goalkeeper to press forward with six skaters, but Japan's defense held steady to seal the win.
"I'm not satisfied with my performance today," said China's 19-year-old goalkeeper Chen Shifeng. "The team played well and followed the coach's plan, but I take responsibility for the goals we conceded. Today's match gave me valuable experience, and I am looking forward to showing a better performance in the knockout rounds."
In other Group A matches, Kazakhstan defeated South Korea 2-1 to top Group A with a perfect record, while Chinese Taipei won 3-1 over Thailand.
Kyrgyzstan edged Hong Kong, China 6-5 in overtime to face South Korea in the quarterfinals.
In the 9th-10th place match, Kuwait claimed an 8-4 victory over Turkmenistan, Singapore dominated India 13-2 to secure the 11th place, while Macao, China defeated Bahrain 4-3 to take the 13th place.
The men's quarterfinals are scheduled to take place on Tuesday. ■