The Philippines held off New Zealand, 12-7, and Australia raced away from Japan, 15-8, in the two semifinals on day five of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Wellington.
In the fifth place game, Korea wrapped up its week at the championship with its first win, dispatching Hong Kong, China, 13-7.
Australia and the Philippines, both undefeated, will go for gold on Sunday at 3 p.m. NZT, with Japan and New Zealand facing off for bronze at 12 p.m. NZT.
Hong Kong, China will close its campaign against China in the sixth place game.
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The Philippines and New Zealand were neck and neck deep into the second half, with New Zealand clawing back within one a minute into the fourth quarter after trailing 4-1 early. But for the third time this tournament after late surges against Hong Kong and Japan, the Philippines found an extra gear and rattled off five goals in 10 minutes to leave no doubt.
Jonathan Dugenio ignited the Philippines once again with 17 face-off wins at an 85% clip, and keyed the fourth quarter run.
Australia did its damage against Japan with a 4-0 run to close the first half and another 4-0 flurry within five minutes of the other side of the the break to wrestle control at 11-3. Five different players racked up multiple goals for Australia, and its balance powers the best scoring offense in Wellington at 24 goals per game.
Korea absorbed a 3-0 run from Hong Kong in the third quarter and finished the game on a 7-1 run to end its campaign with a flourish.
The Philippines will look to shock once more in its stellar campaign on Sunday against Australia, the 11-time World Lacrosse Men’s Championship medallists.
Japan will have its hands full with New Zealand in the bronze medal match with both teams having battled the Philippines in tight contests. New Zealand has never finished above Japan at a Men’s Championship and has a medal opportunity on home soil.
Live statistics throughout the event are available at worldlacrosse.sport/APMLC26 and streaming is available with an event pass on WL TV for $20 USD.
Philippines
12
Top Performers
Jonathan Dugenio: 17 face-off wins, 85% win percentage
Benjamin Palli: Three goals, one assist
Highlights
Australia
15
Top Performers
Kody Watts: 11 saves
Matthew Wood: Three goals
Lachlan Walker: Three assists
Highlights
Korea
13
Top Performers
Yujun Lee: 17 face-off wins, 74% win percentage
Yunsung Choi: Four goals
Jucheol Lee: Seven saves, 50% save percentage
Highlights
