Chinese women came from behind in the last three minutes to narrowly beat Japan 24-23 at the Asian handball championships in Yamaga on Friday, keeping their hopes to qualify for Sydney alive.

China started smoothly by taking the lead 4-0, but the Asian Games bronze medallists Japan fought back strongly and they were 23-22 up with less than three minutes remaining.

Li Jianfang equalized the score for China with her seventh goal of the day before Chen Ji netted home the winner with 1:03 to go.

China gained their second victory with one draw for five points in the five-squad round robin tournament. The winners will collect the only ticket for the Sydney Olympics.

China will face Atlanta Olympic silver medallists South Korea, who had a rest day Friday after winning their three games for six points, on Saturday, competing for a place in the Olympics.

In the men's competition in Kumamoto, Chinese Taipei achieved their first win in three games by sweeping winless Iran 27-18 with Tan Tsung-shang scoring seven goals. (Xinhua)