S. Korea beats Vietnam in women's handball, sets up final showdown vs. Japan

NAGOYA, Japan - South Korea dominated Vietnam 46-18 in women's handball at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive victory in the women's handball tournament. This victory sets up a final showdown against Japan, the defending champions, with the gold medal on the line. Jo Eun-been spearheaded South Korea's scoring, netting eight goals, while Lee Hye-won and Cha Seo-yeon each contributed seven goals.

The outcome was anticipated, as South Korea quickly took control, leading 7-2 within the first 10 minutes and maintaining a strong grip with just two Vietnamese goals in the second half's final nine minutes. South Korea led 33-15 halfway through the second half and executed a 13-3 run to secure the win. Unlike other tournaments, the Asian Games' women's handball competition does not have a knockout stage; all seven teams play each other once, and medals are determined by the final round-robin standings.

As of Saturday, South Korea and Japan were the only undefeated teams, each securing five wins. The winner of Sunday's matchup between South Korea and Japan will claim the gold medal. Women's handball was introduced to the Asian Games in 1990, and South Korea has been the champion since.