The Korean men’s handball team has advanced to the semifinals of the Asian Men's Handball Championship in Saudi Arabia after edging out Japan 28-27 on Wednesday.
The victory has catapulted the Korean team, headed by coach Choi Suk-jae, to the top of the Group A table. The team has carried out a four-consecutive win into the penultimate round, where it will face the hosting Saudi Arabian team on Friday. The host team finished in second in Group B.
Japan, Group A’s another qualifier, and Group B’s winner Qatar have rounded out the final four.
The Korean men’s team is an eight-time champion in the biennial event, along with a two-time defending champion.
The top-three teams of the championships will be assured of a slot at the next year’s world championship in Spain.