Australia and Japan Grab Final Wheelchair Rugby Spots for London 2012

Australia and Japan’s Wheelchair Rugby teams solidified their places at the London 2012 Paralympic Games on Tuesday (8 November) after finishing first and second, respectively, at the Asia Oceania Championships in Icheon, Korea.

Australia took the event title with a 59-41 victory over Japan in the finals and finished the Championships undefeated, but the Japan’s 47-45 win over New Zealand in the semi-final round was enough to qualify for London 2012.

In the bronze-medal game, New Zealand defeated host nation Korea, 62-44.

The top two finishers will now be a part of the eight-team draw at London 2012, which also includes the USA, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, France and Great Britain.

“It’s been a great effort all around at this tournament,” Australian coach Brad Dubberley told the Australian Paralympic Committee. “The guys will enjoy this, take a few weeks off and then come back ready to get back into hard training to give ourselves the best chance to win gold in London.

“We’re certainly capable of winning that gold medal.”