Japan put together its second complete performance of the 2025 World Lacrosse Men’s U20 Championship to fly past Hong Kong, China for an 18-1 win on day three in Korea.
Japan’s high octane style was on display yet again in front of a strong crowd at the evening session at Gongcheonpo Training Center as it took 60 shots in 60 minutes of action, while allowing just nine to Hong Kong, China. In two games, Japan has racked up over a shot a minute and a shot on goal every 100 seconds.
Japan improved to 2-0 and clinched the top spot in Pool B and a place in the play-in round, as the team is effectively 3-0 with the withdrawal of Ghana.
Japan is guaranteed between the fifth and eighth seed in the play-in round, and when seeded, other pool winners will only have their statistics counted against teams placed second or third within their own pool.
Japan’s relentless pace was keyed by a 16 of 20 showing on face-offs, with Kyle Hata earning the majority of wins.
Hirotaka Hattori’s passing shined on the night with two goals and six assists. Taiga Sugimoto contributed two goals and three assists while Jinichiro Sato recorded a hat trick for the second straight game.
Danny Ng made 11 saves for Hong Kong, China and Ethan Jones scored.
Hong Kong, China will play the Netherlands in a must-win game on Monday.
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