Iceland delivered a strong finish and sealed their third straight win in the President's Cup Group I, 30:23, against the People's Republic of China, securing the top spot and progression to the Placement Match 25/26. China will seek redemption in the Placement Match 27/28 to end Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023 on a high.

President’s Cup
Group II
Iceland vs People's Republic of China 30:23 (13:11)

The People's Republic of China had a nervous start to the game, missing chance after chance, failing to break Iceland's defence, with many of the shots ending in a block. Iceland used this as a fuel to create a three-goal lead, but failed to build a bigger one.

Bolstered by Yutung Liu's goals, China closed the deficit to one in the 21st minute and gave a new direction for the match. However, their progress was briefly stopped when Lei Gong, who previously produced two goals and was an important defensive link, received a direct red card. Iceland used the situation for a 2:0 run and with a 13:9 on the scoreboard, but China were still in the match, 13:11, with a whole half to bridge the gap.

Throughout the second part, the game was nip and tuck. Iceland were giving their best to be in front, but China twice tied the score, 16:16 and 21:21. But from that moment on, China broke down.

The Asian side failed to score from the 51st minute to the last moment, while at the same time, Iceland made an impressive 6:0 run and sealed a convincing 30:23 win with strong performances by hummel Player of the Match Elín Magnúsdóttir and Sandra Erlingsdottir, as both closed the day with six goals.

On Wednesday, Iceland will clash against Congo in the Placement Match 25/26, while People's Republic of China will try to stop Chile in the Placement Match 27/28.

hummel Player of the Match: Elín Rósa Magnúsdóttir (Iceland)