Sri Lankan hopes dashed in Olympic Rugby Sevens

South Korea booked their berth in the 2020 Olypics in Tokyo

Sri Lankans lost due to poor decision-making

• Asia Rugby Men’s qualification for XXXII Tokyo Olympiad

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Sevens rugby outfit led by Danushka Dyan had their Olympic hopes dashed when they ended on fifth in the eight-team event in Inchon, South Korea yesterday. Hosts South Korea booked their berth for Tokyo along with Japan (hosts) in the sevens rugby set to be hosted by Japan in 2020.

Sri Lanka had everything in their hands but poor decision-making cost them dearly in the Cup quarter final encounter against Philippines. They were leading 7/5 with half-time whistle already going but Sri Lankans took the wrong decision by working their three quarters instead of kicking to touch and re-group for the latter half with a two-point advantage in their bag. Taking this opportunity, Philippines not only scored a try on stroke of half-time but also took the lead 12/7. After the turn-around, Philippines outfit took further command with ample possession and ran away winners 24/17. Sri Lankans who ran out of time and options were relegated to plate, beating the low-placed Afghanistan and later Malaysia in the fifth place play-off, they secured the Plate. Some credit should be given to the young team led by Dhanushka Dyan; Kevin Dixon and Reza Rafaideen stood out in the tournament despite many seniors pulling out giving various reasons putting club politics ahead of national representations. 

Hosts South Korea had to stretch in full in the semi-final, which went into extra time, to win over China 12/7, and later dashed Hong Kong hopes with another win by the same margin.

Hong Kong, who was firm favoured team was expected to make it to the Olympic after their Hockey team did reach in 1964 nearly 55 years ago. Hong Kong, the Asian Games Gold Medallist were the top seeds for this event.

Cup quarter-finals

South Korea beat Malaysia 52/0, China beat Singapore 50/5, Philippines beat Sri Lanka 24/17, Hong Kong beat Afghanistan 38/0

Plate semi-finals

Malaysia beat Singapore 21/7, Sri Lanka beat Afghanistan 40/0

Cup semi-finals

South Korea beat China 12/7, Hong Kong beat Philippines 26/0

7th place

Singapore beat Afghanistan 33/7

Plate final

Sri Lanka beat Malaysia 14/7

3rd place

China beat Philippines 19/14

Cup Final

South Korea beat Hong Kong 12/7