In an edge-of-the-seat thriller, Republic of Korea mounted a brilliant comeback to beat Bangladesh 35-32 in the ongoing Kabaddi World Cup at 'The Arena' by TransStadia' last evening here.
Jang Kun Lee produced a remarkable performance and scored 15 points to lead his team to a third successive victory. There were several times when Republic of Korea looked down and out but refused to give up. Bangladesh were left to rue as they squandered several opportunities to seal the match.
Republic of Korea have all but sealed their semi-final berth as they go top of Group A with 15 points from three matches. Bangladesh are in the third spot with six points from three matches.
Bangladesh defence were quick out off the block and scored two tackle points as they led 3-0 in the fourth minute. Suleiman Kabir scored with a two-point raid to give Bangladesh a 6-0 lead. An all out was immediately inflicted on Republic of Korea as Bangladesh led 9-0 after six minutes. Republic of Korea opened their account in the eighth minute as they trailed 1-10.
Republic of Korea star man Kun Lee couldn't muster a single raid point in the first 10 minutes. After a strong 10 minutes, Bangladesh slowed the pace of the game and Republic of Korea capitalized on it to trail 8-14. Republic of Korea inflicted an all out in the 17th minute as they mounted a comeback to trail 12-14.
The first ten minutes belonged to Bangladesh but Republic of Korea showed their mettle in the next 10 minutes to level the scores 15-15 at the end of the first half.
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Bangladesh looked to correct their mistakes in the latter part of first half and began second half strongly to lead 18-15 after 23 minutes. Republic of Korea lost the momentum they had built and Bangladesh inflicted an all out in the 29thminute to lead 25-17.
Kun Lee scored his fourth point in 31st minute as they trailed 20-26. Republic of Korea managed to claw back once again as they cut the lead to just five points after 33 minutes. Both teams traded raid points in a minute as Bangladesh led 29-23 in the 35th minute.
Republic of Korea turned to their star Jang Kun Lee to inspiration and he earned a bonus point in 37th minute as they trailed 25-29. It was a humdinger of a match as both teams' defence got a point each as Bangladesh led 30-26. Jang Kun Lee came up with a super raid in the 39th minute as Republic of Korea trailed 29-30.
Bangladesh needed to hold their nerve but Kun Lee scored another point in the 40th minute to level the game at 30-30. Republic of Korea completed a stunning comeback as they inflicted an all out in 40th minute to win 35-32.
Jang Kun Lee ended with 15 points and capped off a remarkable individual performance to script an amazing comeback for his team.
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