South Korea successfully defended their Asian Games rugby sevens title by beating Chinese Taipei 33-21 in the final in Ulsan on Tuesday.

Wu Chih-hsien scored a try one minute after the break to put the Chinese Taipei in the lead for the first time in the match at 14-12, but Kim Hyoung Ki twice touched down under the posts as theSouth Koreans responded with two converted tries.

Chang Ching-fong went over from a five-meter scrum to bring Chinese Taipei back within one score with just seconds remaining. South Korea struck back straight from the kickoff with a Jun Jong Man try to ensure the victory.

"We won't rest with this win. We'll be going for gold in the 15-a-side competition as well," said South Korean coach Min Joon Ki.

Japan, who crashed out in the semifinals against the South Koreans, missed out on a medal after being humbled by Thailand in the third-place playoff.

Despite bringing a strong team over, including Kensuke Iwabuchifrom English club Saracens, Japan's hopes of a gold disappeared inthe semis after a 24-7 thrashing by the hosts.

Ryohei Miki touched down under the posts in the first minute togive Japan an early lead but the South Koreans responded with fourtries of their own, Yoo Min Suk going over twice.

In the bronze medal match, Thailand stunned the Japanese by racing to a 17-0 lead at halftime, with Chatree Parksoontorn scoring two tries and then holding on despite a late comeback by Japan for a 17-14 victory.

The 15-a-side competition will begin on Saturday with Japan facing Chinese Taipei.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2002)