China’s divers continued their remarkable unbeaten streak at the Asian Games, a record that stretches back to 1974, as a top Japanese official issued an apology for the “inconveniences” that have marred the continent’s premier sporting event. On Wednesday, Chinese divers were once again unstoppable, swelling the country’s overall gold medal tally to 150 with four days of competition remaining. Hosts Japan trail far behind in second place with 50 golds, while South Korea sits third with 24.

Chen Yiwen and Lian Junjie each claimed gold in the final two diving events, securing China’s 14th consecutive clean sweep in the sport. China has won every single diving gold medal since its first Asian Games appearance 52 years ago. “Girls are every bit as capable as boys. We are pushing ourselves to perform more difficult dives, too,” said Chen, a double Paris Olympics champion. “We do not train any less than the boys,” she added.

In tennis, the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala stormed into the semifinals, cheered on by fans who had traveled from far and wide to see their hero in action. The world No. 18 and favorite for women’s singles gold had to work hard early on to beat Taiwan’s England-born Joanna Garland 7-5, 6-0 in her second outing in Nagoya. The tournament winner qualifies for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “Representing my country and playing these types of games, SEA Games, Asian Games and hopefully the Olympics, they’re very close to my heart and a big part of my dreams,” said Eala. She plays China’s Wang Xiyu, ranked 85, next.

Taiwan boxer Lin Yu-ting, the Olympic champion who found herself embroiled in a major gender row at Paris 2024, is guaranteed at least a silver medal. Lin outclassed Sitora Turdibekova of Uzbekistan 5-0 in the women’s 60kg class to surge into the final, putting her one win from a second Asian Games gold. The 30-year-old thanked the medical team afterwards for treating the cut to her nose she suffered in the quarterfinals.

In football, South Korea scored an 82nd-minute winner in a 2-1 victory over China in the men’s semifinals. They will face Japan for gold after the hosts pulled through against Uzbekistan 9-8 on penalties, the game having ended 1-1 after 120 minutes. Meanwhile, on Wednesday Nagoya’s mayor apologized to athletes for “inconveniences” at the games following a string of complaints. The event has been marred by problems including a shortage of beds and issues with transport. There are more than 17,000 athletes and officials, more than the Olympics, and countries have accused local organizers of mismanagement. “We must offer our apologies to the athletes and others affected by these inconveniences,” said Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa, who is also acting chairman of the local organizing committee. “We must sincerely reflect on the mishandling that occurred,” he added. Unlike past games, there is no athletes’ village, with participants instead sleeping in temporary wooden units, on a cruise ship and in hotels to save money.

Source: www.aljazeera.com