Korea Republic returned to the top of the East Asian Championship podium after a four-year break at the weekend. On the closing matchday of the competition's third running on Saturday, they fought out a 1-1 tie with Japan, a result which left the two sides level on points and goal difference atop of the four-team tournament.

However, the South Koreans clinched gold by virtue of their superior scoring tally, although they had to wait a couple of hours before their triumph was confirmed when hosts China PR denied Korea DPR the title by running out 3-1 winners in their fixture. It was a welcome return to the top for the Taeguku Warriors, who won the inaugural East Asian Championship in 2003 before conceding the title to the Chinese two years ago.

Korea Republic got off their campaign off to a flying start by overcoming the odds - and the home crowd - to defeat China 3-2. They then drew 1-1 with Korea DPR, which left them in a good position to seize gold.

Huh Jung-Moo's charges pressed hard from the outset in their third and final game, and their attacking efforts paid dividends on 14 minutes when striker Yeom Ki-Hun latched on to Park Won-Jae's low pass and opened the scoring. Japan rallied after break and equalised through Koji Yamase's powerful drive with 22 minutes remaining, but it was too little, too late.

The Korean coach was especially pleased that his team's success was achieved without their overseas-based stars. "One of our goals was taking stock of the home grown players and I want to say they did a fairly good job," he said, before singling out young striker Yeom Ki-Hun for special praise: "He was excelling throughout the tournament and the young players showed they are narrowing the gap between themselves and the overseas-based stars."

Despite playing in front of their own fans, China's showing in the tournament's curtain-raiser proved mentality remains the key problem when they face the big guns in Asia. Seeking their first win over Korea Republic in three decades, they led 2-1 on the hour mark. But their excitement was short-lived as Park Chu-Young restored parity before Kwak Tae-Hwi scored the winner in the last minute.

China's lack of creativity was evident in the 1-0 defeat to Japan, although they responded positively in their win over Korea DPR, which will have boosted coach Vladimir Petrovic's confidence ahead of their 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Australia in Kuming on 26 March.

Women's joy for Japan
With their men's team disappointing, China's women did no better at the East Asian Championship. After edging Korea Republic 3-2 in the opener, they struggled against Korea DPR in their second game but had Zhang Yanru's goalkeeping to thank for a goalless draw. Nevertheless, the Chinese were then stunned 3-0 by Japan in their last match.

Having registered a 3-2 victory over Korea DPR and beaten Korea Republic 2-0, the unexpected 3-0 reverse of China saw coach Norio Sasaki's Japan finish top for the first time. With Homare Sawa pulling all the strings, her strike partner Shinobu Ohno netted a first-half double before Yuki Nagasato sealed victory ten minutes after the break.

"I am satisfied we defeated the physically stronger Chinese team today," said Sasaki. "And I am particularly happy we have learned good lessons and gained experience with which we can challenge the stronger American and European nations."


East Asian Championship results:
Men's;
17 February: China PR 2-3 Korea Republic, Japan 1-1 Korea DPR
20 February: China PR 0-1 Japan, Korea DPR 1-1 Korea Republic
23 February: Korea Republic 1-1 Japan, China PR 3-1 Korea DPR

Women's;
18 February: Korea DPR 2-3 Japan, China PR 3-2 Korea Republic
21 February: Japan 2-0 Korea Republic, China PR 0-0 Korea DPR
24 February: Korea Republic 0-4 Korea DPR, China PR 0-3 Japan