Day 5 Final Match Report
And just like that, the 2025 Asia-Oceania Championship comes to a close, and what a sensational final day it was. From heart-pounding finishes to heroic performances, Day 5 delivered everything fans could have hoped for. Here’s the full rundown of an unforgettable finale.
Thailand vs Malaysia – Heart on Display
The day opened with a spirited contest between Thailand and Malaysia, setting the tone for an emotion-filled final round.
Malaysia’s Muhammad Syarul Anuar Jamar worked tirelessly end to end, pushing the ball, hustling back on defence, and never letting up. But Thailand’s Garunphon Getmongkhon stole the show, creating turnovers, finishing plays, and controlling the pace.
When the final buzzer sounded, Thailand secured 5th place with a 55-14 win, while Malaysia finished a well-earned 6th after a tournament full of determination.
New Zealand vs Korea – A Clash for Bronze
A tightly contested bronze-medal match saw New Zealand and Korea battling point for point in what was expected to be one of the closest games of the tournament – and it didn’t disappoint.
Korea pushed the pace, staying within reach for most of the game, but New Zealand’s Maia Marshall-Amai quietly took over. The “silent assassin” made key plays on both offence and defence, steering the Kiwis with calm intensity.
Her impact proved decisive as New Zealand clinched bronze with a 47-36 victory.
Japan vs Australia – A Final for the Ages
The gold-medal match was everything fans dreamed of – and more.
Japan and Australia traded turnovers, big hits, and clutch scores in a game that stayed neck and neck from start to finish. As the clock wound down, overtime felt almost inevitable… until Japan made one final push.
With only seconds left, Japan advanced the ball, found the gap, and scored the winner, sealing a heart-stopping 53-52 victory with Japan claiming gold and Australia silver. Both teams now book their place at the 2026 World Championship.
Individual Awards – Celebrating the Best in the Region
Of course, the championship wouldn’t be complete without recognising the stars who lit up the court all week. Congratulations to our All-Star lineup:
- Best 0.5: James McQuillan (Australia)
- Best 1.0: Gareth Lynch (New Zealand)
- Best 1.5: Seiya Norimatsu (Japan)
- Best 2.0: Ucheol Park (Korea)
- Best 2.5: Cameron Leslie (New Zealand)
- Best 3.0: Hayden Barton-Cootes (New Zealand)
- Best 3.5: Katsuya Hashimoto (Japan)
- MVP: Yukinobu Ike (Japan)
An incredible group of athletes showcasing the absolute best of wheelchair rugby.
Thank You, Asia-Oceania
What a tournament. What a community. Thank you to the athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, organisers, and fans who made this championship unforgettable.
Until the next wheelchair rugby showdown – see you on the court.
Day 4 Catch Up:
Welcome to Day 4 of the Asia-Oceania Championship. From hard hits to high tempo play, here’s everything you may have missed from another thrilling day on court.
Thailand vs Australia – Heart vs Power
The day opened with a spirited matchup as Thailand took on tournament heavyweights Australia.
Thanakan Ainthanranut and Gritsapong Wonguthai led the charge for Thailand, testing Australia’s defence and finding creative ways to push through the line.
But the Aussies’ depth and precision ultimately proved too strong, and Australia secured a commanding 74-21 victory. Still, Thailand’s heart and sportsmanship shone through from start to finish.
Malaysia vs Korea – Quick, Intense, Dynamic
Next up, Malaysia and Korea delivered a fast-paced contest full of hustle. Malaysia worked hard to match Korea’s speed and agility, pushing the tempo whenever they could.
Korea, however, kept the pressure high and capitalised on their quick transitions, eventually closing out the match with a confident 37-7 win.
Japan vs New Zealand – A Crowd-Favourite Clash
Fans packed the venue for the highly anticipated showdown between Japan and New Zealand – and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Both sides traded big hits, smart plays, and bursts of speed in a razor-close battle. The matchup between Japan’s Yukinobu Ike and New Zealand’s Hayden Barton-Cootes was a standout duel, with both athletes driving their teams forward in a thrilling back-and-forth.
In the end, Japan held their nerve and claimed a hard-fought 50-42 victory.
On to the Final Day
With Day 4 wrapped and momentum building, the stage is set for an electrifying final day of competition. Trust us, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
Day 3 Recap:
As we hit the hump day of the tournament, fatigue may be creeping in, but you’d never know it from the intensity on court. Day 3 delivered grit, determination, and commanding performances across all three matchups. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Korea vs Japan – Japan’s Depth on Display
Korea came out strong to open the day, matching Japan’s early pace and physicality with confidence. But a few costly turnovers in the opening minutes allowed Japan to seize control – and they never let it go.
Japan’s electric duo Shinichi Shimakawa and Katsuya Hashimoto were locked in, combining seamlessly to build a growing lead. Their teamwork and tempo made the difference, steadily widening the gap as the match progressed.
Korea battled hard and showed plenty of heart, but Japan’s depth proved too much as they secured a 67-33 victory.
New Zealand vs Thailand – Pressure from the Kiwis
Next up, New Zealand faced hosts Thailand in a high-pressure matchup. The Kiwis came out with a clear game plan: keep Thailand pinned in the back court and dictate the pace through tight defence and disciplined chair work.
Keenan Alexander shone for New Zealand, making impact plays at both ends and driving the team’s momentum. With consistent pressure and smart execution, New Zealand rolled to a 65-16 win.
Australia vs Malaysia – Aussies in Control
To close out Day 3, Australia took on Malaysia in a match defined by heart on one side and control on the other. Malaysia showed tremendous resilience, fighting on every possession and earning big cheers from the crowd with their determination.
Australia, however, held command throughout the game. Cooper Blackwood and Andrew Edmondson played major minutes and delivered standout performances, helping secure a strong 42-4 win for the Aussies.
On to Day 4!
Three days down and the action just keeps getting better. With intensity rising and teams pushing through fatigue, Day 4 is shaping up to be another thrilling round.
Don’t miss a moment – catch every game live on the WWR YouTube channel!
Day 2 Action:
Day 2 of the Asia-Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championship brought intensity, skill, and standout performances across all three matchups. Here’s everything you missed from another electric day on court.
Australia vs Korea – A High-Energy Showcase
The day kicked off with a blockbuster clash as Australia took on Korea in a match packed with speed, physicality, and world-class execution. Korea’s agility and quick ball movement immediately set the tone, proving they’re shaping up to be serious contenders in this tournament.
A thrilling battle unfolded between Australia’s Chris Bond and Korea’s Seonghui Lee, with both athletes showcasing grit and leadership. Lilliana Prucha shone defensively, creating key stops and locking down Korea’s biggest threats.
Despite Korea matching Australia’s intensity for much of the match, it was the Aussies’ stamina and composure in the closing minutes that made the difference, sealing a 72-62 victory.
Japan vs Thailand – Smooth, Controlled, Clinical
Japan and Thailand took centre stage next in a more measured matchup. Thailand brought heart and hustle from the outset, but Japan’s structure and flow were simply unstoppable.
With disciplined execution, Japan steadily pulled ahead to secure a confident 54-28 win; another strong showing from a team building serious momentum.
Malaysia vs New Zealand – Heart vs Control
Closing out the day, Malaysia faced New Zealand in a contest that won over the crowd from the first whistle. Malaysia’s courage and determination earned huge cheers as they fought for every opportunity.
But New Zealand’s experience and organisation were the difference. Jacinta Richardson led brilliantly as playmaker, guiding the Kiwi attack and steering them to a solid 47-13 victory.
Stay Tuned
With two days down and plenty more action ahead, the championship is heating up fast.
Catch every match live on the WWR YouTube channel – don’t miss a moment!
Day 1 Action:
The Asia-Oceania Wheelchair Rugby Championship blasted into action with a huge opening day packed with big hits, big heart, and even bigger hustle. If you missed the live action, don’t worry, here’s everything you need to get caught up.
New Zealand vs Australia – A Trans-Tasman Battle
The opener delivered exactly what fans hoped for: intensity, physicality, and zero signs of neighbourly love. From the first tip-off, both teams went try for try in a fast-paced, end-to-end contest.
New Zealand’s powerhouse duo Hayden Barton-Cootes and Cameron Leslie put on a gritty display, matching Australia’s physicality and fighting for every possession. But as the game wore on, Australia cranked up the defensive pressure, forcing turnovers that swung momentum in their favour.
Despite New Zealand’s resilience, Australia closed out the clash with a strong 61-42 victory to open their campaign.
Korea vs Thailand – Korea Brings the Heat
Game two saw Korea come out firing, taking on hosts Thailand with relentless energy. Thailand battled with determination and heart, but Korea’s clinical pressure and precise chair work quickly took control of the match.
Korea’s Ucheol Park was everywhere; reading plays early, scooping up turnovers, and intercepting passes with almost perfect anticipation. By the final whistle, Korea’s dominance was reflected on the scoreboard: 68-14.
Japan vs Malaysia – Discipline on Display
To close out Day 1, Japan put on a masterclass of tactical discipline and execution against Malaysia. Playing much of the match in key defence, Japan dictated the tempo from start to finish, forcing Malaysia to adjust to their pace rather than the other way around.
Shinichi Shimakawa set the tone for Japan on both ends – scoring, creating pressure, and leading by example. Malaysia battled hard and kept their intensity high, but Japan’s control ultimately secured them a commanding 55-3 win.
What’s Next?
Day 1 set the stage with speed, skill, and statement performances – and we’re only just getting started.
Catch all Day 2 action live on the WWR YouTube channel and follow along as the battle for regional supremacy continues.
Watch live here: WWR YouTube Channel
