Chen Li (C) of China vies with Japan’s Negai Nakazawa during the women’s preliminary round Group A match at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Aug. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
CHENGDU, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) — China’s women’s lacrosse sixes team fell to Japan 18-3 in their second preliminary round match at the 2025 World Games on Friday, suffering the second straight defeat.
Japan dominated the opening period with a commanding 6-0 lead. China’s 18-year-old Jia Zhaorun got her team on the board in the second period, with Chen Li and Zhao Xinyi adding goals in the third and fourth periods.
“We were more aggressive today and played with greater confidence,” said veteran Zhou Yunjian. “The Japanese were very fast, but we managed to disrupt their attempts many times and forced them to miss the 30-second shot clock.”
Zhao also noted that the team showed improvement compared to their last match, where they were overwhelmed by Great Britain 24-2.
Peng Jing (L) of China evades a Japan player during the match, Aug. 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Chen Bin)
“I’ll learn from every match and try to be stronger next time,” said China’s youngest player Jia, who transitioned from tennis to lacrosse only two years ago.
“When I play abroad, people are always curious about the sport. Lacrosse is thrilling, and I hope it becomes more popular worldwide,” Jia added.
China now faces defending champion Canada, who beat Great Britain 14-10 earlier Friday. Canada leads Group A, while Group B is topped by the United States, who downed Australia 25-13.
“It was a tough match,” said U.S. player Sam Apuzzo. “Australia were aggressive and skilled. We were still finding our rhythm while sticking to our game plan.”
The women’s lacrosse sixes competition is the only lacrosse competition being held at the Chengdu World Games. A faster-paced variant of lacrosse introduced by the sport’s global governing body in 2021, lacrosse sixes will make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. ■
AloJapan.com