China, Hong Kong women get Olympic 7s repechage off to flying start in Monaco

Chong Ka-yan ran in a hat-trick of tries as Hong Kong’s women got their final shot at Olympic qualification off to a flyer on Friday, with a 33-15 win over Paraguay.

There were also scores for Natasha Olson-Thorne and Nam Ka-man in the World Rugby Sevens Repechage event at Louis II Stadium in Monaco, with Poon Hoi-yan and Stephanie Chan adding eight points with the boot.

Andy Vilk’s side did not make life easy for themselves, however, twice falling behind in the opening half.

Cinthia Cristaldo Santander put the South American’s ahead in the first minute, and after Chong had levelled matters, Hong Kong coughed up another score to Araceli Nicolini.

Nam evened things up at 10-10, and Poon’s first successful conversion moments before half-time gave Vilk’s team a lead they never relinquished.

Nicolini’s yellow card turned the momentum for good, and Hong Kong raced out to a 26-10 lead before Santander reduced the deficit.